The January transfer window is beginning to gather pace across Scottish football, with clubs starting to position themselves for potential deals. Here is a round-up of the latest transfer news and rumours involving Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs, and Dundee United on Tuesday morning.
Dundee United plan further business
Dundee United are closing in on their first addition of the winter window, with Barnsley winger Neil Farrugia set to arrive on a two-and-a-half-year contract. The Northern Irish wide man is expected to be unveiled at Tannadice later today after failing to establish himself at Oakwell following his move from Shamrock Rovers last January.
Head coach Jim Goodwin has confirmed the club are actively working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad further this month. A new goalkeeper has been identified as a priority, although Goodwin acknowledged the difficulty of completing deals in January.
He admitted that the limited availability of quality players often restricts business at this stage of the season, but stressed the club would explore every option available, including pre-contract agreements for summer arrivals. Goodwin also highlighted the importance of having three goalkeepers competing for places rather than relying on just two.
Hibs step up pursuit of Passlack
Hibernian are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Bochum defender Felix Passlack before the end of the month. The 27-year-old is approaching the final six months of his contract in Germany, and Hibs believe a deal could be struck as Bochum look to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.
Passlack, who previously spent several seasons with Borussia Dortmund and had a loan spell at Norwich City, was notably absent from Bochum’s squad for a recent friendly, fuelling speculation that negotiations are progressing. He is also familiar with current Hibs defender Grant Hanley, having played alongside him earlier in his career.
Elsewhere, former Hibs loanee Harry Clarke has completed a permanent move to Charlton Athletic. The defender had been linked with a return to Sheffield United but has instead opted for a fresh start in League One.
Hearts confirm Clark loan move
Hearts have officially confirmed that goalkeeper Zander Clark has joined Doncaster Rovers on loan until the end of the season. The experienced shot-stopper has found opportunities limited at Tynecastle this term, with Craig Gordon and Alexander Schwolow both ahead of him in the pecking order.
Clark will now aim to secure regular minutes in England as he pushes for a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad ahead of the summer’s World Cup. Speaking after the move, he admitted he was excited by the challenge of playing outside Scotland for the first time in his career.
Doncaster’s coaching staff have praised Clark’s experience, presence, and shot-stopping ability, describing the deal as a rare opportunity to bring an international goalkeeper to League One.
Celtic clarify Welsh recall
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has explained the club’s decision to recall centre-back Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at Motherwell. The 25-year-old had been a consistent performer at Fir Park this season and was enjoying an impressive run of form before being brought back to Parkhead.
O’Neill revealed the move was made as a precaution, with Celtic keen to ensure adequate defensive cover while they assess injuries and potential new signings. He stressed the recall was not a reflection on Welsh’s performances and left the door open for the defender to return to Motherwell before the window closes.
The Celtic boss praised Welsh’s development and acknowledged how difficult it can be to interrupt a successful loan spell, but insisted the decision was necessary given the current situation within his squad.
Rangers await decision on £12m winger
Rangers are waiting on a final decision from Wolfsburg winger Andreas Skov Olsen, with reports suggesting clarity could arrive within the next 24 hours. The Denmark international is understood to be open to a loan move to Ibrox despite attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.
Skov Olsen joined Wolfsburg in a £12 million deal last January but has struggled to secure regular starts in the Bundesliga. With game time limited, a temporary switch is believed to be on the table this month.
Rangers are also said to be monitoring Hungarian winger Damir Redzic. According to reports, the DAC Dunajska Streda forward is attracting interest from Ibrox after an impressive run of form in Slovakia, where he has scored seven goals in 14 appearances this season. The 22-year-old is believed to be keen on taking the next step in his career, with Rangers among the clubs pushing for his signature.
