Rangers are reportedly in pole position to sign Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, 24, a move that could facilitate Joe Rothwell's departure to Sheffield United. The Ibrox club has stolen a march on the Blades in negotiations for the Scottish talent.

Meanwhile, Celtic faces setbacks in their transfer pursuits. Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur prefers a move to Celtic over Rangers, but talks are stalled. The Hoops also remain distant from Crystal Palace's valuation for winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, complicating their attacking reinforcement plans.

Barry Ferguson dismissed a permanent move for his nephew Lewis Ferguson from Bologna to Celtic, though he endorsed a loan to Rangers. Rangers could leverage their shared ownership with Leeds United to target Celtic's desired forward Joel Piroe, who has struggled for minutes since promotion.