Celtic's pursuit of Norwegian defender Zinedin Smajlovic has hit an early obstacle, with Sandefjord turning down bids of £3.5m from both Celtic and Olympiacos for the 22-year-old centre-back. The Norwegian club are holding out for a fee closer to £4.3m before agreeing to sell.

Meanwhile, Celtic are preparing to step up their efforts to sign left-back Marcelo Saracchi on a permanent basis. The 28-year-old has been told by Boca Juniors head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena that he has no future at the Argentine club following his loan spell with the Scottish champions, prompting Celtic to push harder for a full transfer.

El-Faouzi set to stay at Schalke

Celtic's reported interest in Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi appears to be over before it began — the 23-year-old is closing in on a new contract with the German club that will keep him at Schalke until 2030 and earn him close to £1m per year.

Breum available if the price is right

Go Ahead Eagles technical director Marc van Hintum has indicated the Dutch side would consider selling attacking midfielder Jakob Breum if an attractive offer arrived. Celtic made an unsuccessful bid for the 22-year-old in January, and Breum is valued at around £4m.

Skov Olsen future uncertain

Besiktas are in discussions with Wolfsburg over the future of winger Andreas Skov Olsen. The 26-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Rangers, could either join Besiktas permanently or return to the Turkish club on another temporary deal.

Other Scottish football transfer news

Portsmouth are pushing to open talks with Dundee centre-half Luke Graham, 22, as their interest in the defender continues. Former Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan is expected to join Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson's coaching staff. St Mirren captain Mark O'Hara, 30, has been offered a new deal by the club, but Kilmarnock are also interested and there is reported attention from clubs in Asia and Eastern Europe. Finally, 18-year-old midfielder Fran Franczak is set to join Polish top-flight side Odra Opole following his release by St Johnstone.