Everton are linked with interest in Celtic's Alistair Johnston with Nathan Patterson tipped to exit, while Nedim Bajrami reportedly nears an exit from Rangers. Everton, whose Scotland right‑back Nathan Patterson is drawing strong interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain, are preparing to firm up their interest in the 27‑year‑old Celtic player.

Mika Baur has informed Paderborn of his desire to join Celtic this summer after the 22‑year‑old midfielder agreed personal terms with the Scottish champions. Baur missed Paderborn's friendly with Southampon on Wednesday, but the claim that the Celtic target was ill is not accurate.

Marcelo Saracchi is poised to clinch a move to Houston Dynamo after the 28‑year‑old left‑back's loan from Boca Juniors to Celtic. Out‑of‑favour 26‑year‑old Atalanta wing‑back Mitchell Bakker, who had been linked with Celtic, is close to joining Marseille. Leicester City and Swansea City are leading the race to sign John Souttar, the 29‑year‑old Scotland centre‑half certain to end his four years with Rangers.

Rangers and Cardiff City face serious competition for Tromsø midfielder Jens Hjerto‑Dahl, with Hull City now very interested in the 20‑year‑old. Trabzonspor are to make a transfer bid of a one‑season loan with an £8.6m purchase option for Besiktas winger Vaclav Cerny, the 28‑year‑old who spent a year on loan with Rangers.