Rafael Benitez has declined to dismiss interest in becoming Scotland's head coach, telling TalkSport he remains open to the possibility of managing at international level. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss is the latest figure linked with the Scottish national team vacancy.

Rangers chase midfielders as Chermiti future hangs in balance

Lyon are preparing a bid of around £17.1 million — inclusive of add-ons — for Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti, but the Scottish club are holding firm and reportedly want closer to £25 million for the 22-year-old. Separate reports from Foot Mercato suggest Lyon's opening offer could be as low as £12 million with £3.4 million in potential bonuses, with Rangers showing no desire to sell this summer.

In the transfer market themselves, Rangers saw a £5.3 million approach for Tromso's 20-year-old midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl turned down, according to iTromso via the Daily Record. Meanwhile, discussions continue over a potential move for Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic, a 20-year-old defensive midfielder contracted at the Serbian club until 2030.

Celtic move to secure Duran as first summer signing

Celtic are closing in on their first signing of the summer, with Colombian striker Camilo Duran set to travel to Glasgow on Thursday to complete a four-year contract. Reports place the Qarabag forward's fee at an initial £3 million, rising to a possible £6 million — though The Herald cited a figure of £5.5 million including add-ons.

Celtic could also be without winger Yang Hyun-jun for the first Old Firm derby of the season on Sunday, 20 September, after South Korea included him in their squad for the Asian Games.

In a notable outgoing deal, Liverpool have completed the signing of Scotland Under-16 captain Dara Jikiemi from Celtic on a five-year contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Other Scottish football snippets

Notts County are set to sign Dundee striker Emile Acquah, 25, after the two clubs agreed a deal in principle. Queens Park Rangers have registered an interest in Livingston goalkeeper Jerome Prior, 30. Greenock Morton have taken Noah Lahmadi — a 21-year-old France Under-20 international midfielder released by Toulouse — on trial. Scotland international Barry Bannan, 36, has departed Millwall and is returning to Sheffield Wednesday. Hibernian forward Martin Boyle has spoken openly about seeking counselling after being left out of Australia's World Cup squad, describing the experience as an emotional rollercoaster that took a significant mental toll.