Everton are preparing to make a formal move for Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, 27, as their current Scotland international in that position, Nathan Patterson, attracts serious attention from clubs across Germany, Italy, and Spain, according to The Herald.

Johnston's potential arrival at Goodison Park would directly fill the void left should Patterson depart this summer, with the 27-year-old having established himself as a reliable presence in Celtic's backline.

Celtic's busy summer continues

Celtic are also closing in on Mika Baur, a 22-year-old midfielder from Paderborn. Baur has informed his current club of his wish to move to the Scottish champions, having already agreed personal terms. Reports on social media indicate that Baur's absence from Paderborn's midweek friendly against Southampton was not due to illness, contrary to the German club's official explanation.

Meanwhile, left-back Marcelo Saracchi, 28, is set to seal a permanent move to Houston Dynamo following his loan spell at Celtic from Boca Juniors. Mitchel Bakker, the out-of-favour 26-year-old Atalanta wing-back who had been mentioned as a Celtic target, appears to have chosen a different destination — the former Lille and Paris Saint-Germain player is close to joining Marseille, according to reports from France.

Turbulence at Ibrox

Rangers face a significant squad overhaul with several departures on the horizon. Albanian winger Nedim Bajrami, 27, is expected to leave the club within days, with a return to Italian football considered the most probable outcome.

John Souttar, the 29-year-old Scotland centre-half, is also set to end his four-year stay at Ibrox, with Leicester City and Swansea City leading the chase for his signature, per Rangers Review.

Rangers and Cardiff City must also contend with Hull City entering the race for Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, 20, adding further competition for a player both clubs had been tracking.

Turkish side Trabzonspor are reportedly preparing a bid to take Besiktaş winger Vaclav Cerny, 28 — who previously spent a loan year at Ibrox — on a season-long loan with an £8.6 million purchase option.

Midfielder Jose Cifuentes, 27, faces an uncertain future after undergoing surgery, a development that may prevent Rangers from moving him on before the summer transfer window shuts. Meanwhile, Paul Nsio, 20, has agreed a loan switch to St Mirren despite reported interest from Raith Rovers, and will not be signing a contract extension at Rangers. League One side Luton Town have held discussions with Rangers regarding winger Ross McCausland, 23.

Off the pitch, Rangers have brought in Mick Priest, formerly Brentford's lead scout, as a first-team scout at Ibrox. The club has also outlined its transfer philosophy publicly, emphasising "leadership," "character," "mentality," and a "familiarity with Scottish football" as key criteria for new signings.

Scotland managerial picture

Falkirk manager John McGlynn has moved to quash speculation linking him with the vacant Scotland head coach role, insisting his full attention remains on club duties. Scotland assistant Steven Naismith has also ruled himself out of the running for the permanent position, though he indicated a willingness to serve as caretaker should no appointment be made before the Nations League begins in September.