There’s nothing quite like a good transfer story to get the adrenaline going – and thankfully, we have a lots of those today.
Huge money moves, big name transfers and the transfer window finally (finally!) open.
Here are today’s top stories…
Top Stories
- Aberdeen have confirmed this morning that they have rejected an official bid for winger Jonny Hayes. (Press and Journal)
- Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has warned he will have no qualms about handing youngsters an opportunity if first-team players fail to perform. (Press and Journal)
- Celtic have withheld £40,000 in ticket cash owed to Rangers after chasing their rivals for months over an unsettled bill for wrecked toilets at Celtic Park. (Sun)
- Rangers new boy Jon Toral has set his sights on toppling Old Firm rivals Celtic and says he is looking forward to the prospect of a clash between the sides. (Daily Record)
- Brendan Rodgers has warned England’s top clubs they won’t get Moussa Dembele this month, even if they meet Celtic’s £30m valuation. (Daily Mail)
- Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon dismisses reports of interest in striker Jason Cummings from English Championship outfits QPR and Barnsley. (Daily Record)
South of the Border
- Premier League leaders Chelsea will move for 29-year-old West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet, who Hammers boss Slaven Bilic says is refusing to play for the club. (Sun)
- Lyon are the only club trying to sign Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, 22, on a permanent deal but have offered substantially less than the £15m asking price. (ESPN)
- Crystal Palace are close to signing former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, 35. (Sky Sports)
- Manchester City, Everton and Italian side AC Milan are monitoring the future of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere. The 25-year-old is on loan at Bournemouth and his contract with the Gunners expires next season. (Daily Star)
And finally…
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has warned his players must be ready for the intensity and pressure of trying to win the Scottish Cup and finishing second in the Premiership.
The Dons squad are in Dubai this week for a winter break training camp. The envy of many who will be training in the teeth of a Scottish winter, McInnes knows with such privilege comes expectation and has told his players they must deliver.
He said: “The players have had a break which was good for them, but it was important we get going again and get the focus right.”
