Latest transfer news and rumours across the Scottish Premiership
Here is your Wednesday evening round-up of the latest transfer news and speculation across the Scottish Premiership with updates from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and St Mirren.
Celtic signing 'one step away'
Celtic are reportedly close to completing the signing of Niko Sigur from Hadjuk Split. Croatian media claim that the Scottish champions are just 'one step away' from clinching a deal for the Canadian international, who is valued at around €4 million.
The 22-year-old, who can play defensive midfield and right-back, has also been the subject of interest from Wolves but Celtic are said to have won the race. The transfer has been delayed, however, due to the sacking of Wilfried Nancy as Celtic manager after just 33 days in charge this week. The final decision on whether to proceed could rest with Martin O'Neill, who has been re-appointed as manager until the end of the season following his successful spell as interim between the resignation of Brendan Rodgers in October and the appointment of Nancy in December. Sigur has made 101 appearances for Hadjuk Split, scoring five goals and bagging three assists. He also has 15 caps and two goals for Canada.
Scotland cap joins Saints
St Mirren have signed former Motherwell midfielder Allan Campbell on a deal until the end of the season. The 27-year-old established himself as a first-team player at Fir Park under current Saints boss Stephen Robinson. The Scotland cap has been without a club since leaving Dundee United at the end of last season and arrives after Saints suffered injury blows to midfielders Keanu Baccus and Mark O’Hara.
Robinson said: “He’s the right type of character and he’s got a lot of quality. He hasn’t played football for a little while. But on a short-term contract, we think he’s a fantastic signing and will be very good around the place as well. Allan’s someone with immense talent that could influence games.
“With our numbers being short in midfield, he seemed like the perfect solution and we’re confident that he’ll be a real asset towards the end of the season.”
Rangers target Danish starlet
Rangers have opened talks with Sturm Graz over a deal for young midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, according to reports. Head coach Danny Rohl is believed to have made midfield a priority position during the January transfer window with the 22-year-old said to be high on their list of options. The Denmark under-21 international has faced both Rangers and Celtic in the Europa League this season. He played the full 90 minutes of Sturm Graz's 2-1 win over Rangers in Austria and was sent off for a high tackle on Callum McGregor in the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park in October.
Former Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah has been linked with Rangers several times since the summer while reports over the past 24 hours have also credited the Ibrox side with interest in BK Hacken midfielder Silas Anderson. With fringe players Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron expected to move on from the club this month, the Gers are hopeful of adding new additions in the engine room as soon as possible. New recruitment chief Stig Inge Bjornabye is understood to have scouted various markets to add to Rohl’s squad, with the club hopeful they can add new additions soon.
Hearts bid for AFCON star
Hearts have opened negotiations to sign the Ugandan international winger Rogers Mato from North Macedonian side FK Vardar. The Edinburgh club made an initial offer of £300,000 which has not been accepted, reports the Edinburgh Evening News.. The 22-year-old’s contract at Vardar is due to expire in December this year having been extended by six months. Several European clubs are also interested in signing him, so Hearts face some competition. Vardar are braced for his potential departure this month, although they are likely to want at least £600,000 to consider selling.
A left-sided wide player, Mato is top scorer in the Macedonian First League with 12 goals. In all competitions so far this season, he has scored 15 times and claimed two assists from 17 appearances. His reputation is growing at a steady rate after he played in all three of Uganda’s matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring in the final group match against Nigeria as his country exited the tournament.