Rangers are reportedly prepared to pay a fee of just £800,000 to make James Penrice a permanent signing next summer, should they activate their purchase option on the on-loan AEK Athens left-back. The 27-year-old has joined the Glasgow club on a temporary deal, with the Daily Record reporting that a full transfer would cost less than £1 million.
Yang Hyun-jun's career gamble
Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun has described his decision to represent South Korea at the Asian Cup as a gamble with his "entire footballing career." The 24-year-old missed key matches for the Scottish champions to feature for his national side, where a fourth consecutive Asian Cup triumph would earn him an exemption from mandatory military service. Yang told The National the stakes could not be higher on a personal level.
Celtic relaxed over Nygren future
Celtic are understood to be unconcerned about retaining Benjamin Nygren beyond next summer, despite the 25-year-old Sweden midfielder acknowledging significant interest during the most recent transfer window, according to Football Insider.
McGregor succession concern
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has accused Celtic of neglecting to develop a viable replacement for captain Callum McGregor. The 33-year-old midfield leader is approaching the final stages of his contract, and Wyness believes the club's failure to plan for his succession represents a significant oversight, Football Insider reports.
Steven at St Johnstone
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has revealed that winger Taylor Steven tested the transfer market this summer before eventually securing a starting berth over the club's last three matches. The 21-year-old had explored options away from McDiarmid Park before winning back the confidence of his manager, per The Courier.
Valakari also acknowledged the need for a frank discussion with defender Daniel Finlayson, who was dropped for three consecutive matches before returning to the starting lineup against Celtic. The manager described the conversation as a necessary "strong" one, The Courier reported.
Arzani returns to Parkhead
Former Celtic winger Daniel Arzani insists he has nothing to prove when he walks back into Parkhead on Thursday with Ferencvaros. The 27-year-old's time at the Scottish champions was defined by a cruciate ligament injury suffered on his debut, and he told the Scottish Sun he bears no ill will toward the club.
Defoe's Ibrox affection
Former England striker Jermain Defoe has revealed that Steven Gerrard's description of Rangers as "the nearest thing I've seen to Liverpool Football Club" convinced him to leave Bournemouth for Ibrox in 2020. Defoe added he is "100 per cent" open to returning to the club in a coaching or managerial capacity, The Warm-up reported.
