Sunday is anything but a day of rest in the world of football transfers – today could mark the end of the Virgil van Dijk transfer saga and the rebirth of Islam Feruz’s Scotland career.
In Spain, Real Madrid appear to have cleared up Martin Odegaard’s future, while the Spanish giants face bids from two English clubs for two of their first team stars.
Here’s a quick look at all of today’s transfer news.
- The Sunday People reports that Celtic have agreed a deal to sell Virgil van Dijk to Southampton in a £10million deal.
Van Dijk was omitted from Celtic’s side at Dundee United on Saturday as Ronny Deila opted to rest a number of his first team stars ahead of the Champions League qualifying return at Malmo, however, the People report van Dijk will not play in that game either, instead, he will join his new team mates on the south coast of England. (Sunday People, via Mirror)
- Celtic target Martin Odegaard looks set to stay with Real Madrid this season rather than being farmed out on loan.
The 17-year-old Norwegian midfielder joined Madrid in January and had been expected to be loaned out this season, with Celtic one of a number of clubs to register an interest.
However Spanish newspaper AS today reports that Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez is keen for the youngster to remain at the club, working under reserve team boss Zinedine Zidane. (AS)
- Rotherham United are reportedly weighing up a move for Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor after failing in their bid to sign Scott Allan.
The Championship side are hopeful of signing the 22-year-old for £350,000 although could be forced to settle for a loan deal. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)
- Inverness Caley Thistle are looking to sign a new striker in time for next Saturday’s match against Dundee.
Attackers Toby Ajala and Darren Murray have been on trial with the club and Hughes had hoped to bring in another two trialists this week, however, one of those has been forced to pull out. (Press and Journal)
- Rangers have finalised deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem on loan.
The 19-year-old watched Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Hibs from the Ibrox stands and the club is expected to officially announce the deal tomorrow. (Sunday Mail)
- Former Celtic loanee Jason Denayer is set join French outfit Marseille from Manchester City. (Sunday Mail)
- Chelsea striker Islam Feruz, 19, has spoken out about his international future and insists he wants to play for Scotland.
Feruz has been capped by Scotland at under-16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 levels however, previous reports suggested the forward had turned his back on Scotland and instead wanted to play for Somalia, the country where he was born and lived before he fled to Scotland with his family when he was just five.
However, the talented teen has made it clear to Scotland Under-21 boss Ricky Sbragia that he wants to be part of his plans. (Sunday Mail)
Latest done deal
- Former Dumbarton captain Andy Graham has left the Sons after the club and defender agreed to mutually terminate his contract.
And down south
- Manchester United remain hopeful of signing Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 26, before the transfer window closes. (People)
- Everton are looking to announce two signings this week at a cost of £24m. Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko, 25, and River Plate centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori, 24 are both expected to move to Goodison. (Daily Star Sunday)
- Chelsea have made inquiries over Real Madrid Raphael Varane, 22, casting further doubt over the future of John Terry, 34. (Mail on Sunday)
- Chelsea may offer Ramires and Juan Cuadrado as part of a deal to sign midfielder Paul Pogba from Juventus. (Sunday Times)
- West Brom are looking to sign Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, 27, in an £8m move. (Mirror)
- Tottenham have opened discussions with the representatives of Brazil international Alexandre Pato, 25, over a move from Corinthians. (Metro)
- Pato has been offered to Manchester United and Chelsea for £10m. (Sunday Telegraph)
- Crystal Palace have had one bid rejected for QPR striker Charlie Austin but they believe they will be able to sign the 26-year-old. (Mirror)
- Victor Wanyama, 24, has told Southampton he wants to leave, amid speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham. (Mail on Sunday)
- Former England defender Ashley Cole was unable to force his way into the Roma squad for the opening game of the season and could have the remainder of his contract paid off. (Observer)
