Celtic are pursuing a loan deal for Chelsea left back Landon Emenalo, with the 18-year-old having already been shown around the club's Lennoxtown training complex. The Scottish champions are also tracking Canada and Hajduk Split right-back Niko Sigur, 22, who has returned to their shortlist.

On the outgoing side, West Ham are preparing a fresh offer for Arne Engels — one that would guarantee £25 million and include promotion bonuses — as the London club returns to the table for the Celtic midfielder. Meanwhile, Everton continue to monitor Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston despite recently backing away from a move because of his £15 million asking price.

Baur closing in on Celtic switch

Celtic are also understood to be near an agreement to sign Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, 24, in a deal that would bolster their options in the middle of the park ahead of the new season.

Rangers face competition for Barron

Spanish club Sevilla have entered the race to sign Rangers midfielder Connor Barron, 23, with West Ham also keeping a close eye on the player. In contrast, Rangers appear close to completing the arrival of PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech, 24, who has passed his medical with only the final details of a four-year contract left to finalise.

Former Rangers manager Graeme Souness has urged the club not to place too much reliance on data analytics when recruiting players, arguing for a more traditional approach to scouting.

Rest of the Scottish football gossip

Hibernian are in no hurry to part with Zimbabwe midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and will demand a fee of more than £4 million before entertaining any sale. Norwegian side SK Brann are close to landing Aberdeen defensive midfielder Kjartan Mar Kjartansson, 20, on a permanent deal.

Dundee are stepping up their search for a striker after Ashley Hay faces up to six weeks on the sidelines. The club remain interested in Bromley defender Omar Sowumni after an initial bid was turned down. Meanwhile, Morton manager Ian Murray has warned that the Scottish Championship club risk having to forfeit fixtures if they fail to strengthen their squad.

Former Belgium and Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez is no longer a candidate for the Scotland manager's role. Former Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass has also declined the opportunity to take charge of the Scotland Under-21 side.