Your January 14 transfer window update. Not The Old Firm has news regarding Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Hearts, Hibs, Dundee and Kilmarnock, as well as the lower leagues.
Aberdeen target Naismith
The transfer rumour mill was sent into overdrive when Andy Halliday claimed a “good friend” of his was on the brink of an Aberdeen move.
And Not the Old Firm today exclusively revealed that the Dons are targeting a loan deal for Kal Naismith from Bristol City.
The former Wigan and Luton Town defender can play right across the backline and would add to Jimmy Thelin’s options for the rest of the season, when he is then out of contract and available on a free.
It comes after the Pittodrie side yesterday announced the signings of fellow defenders Alfie Dorrington, on loan from Tottenham, and Alexander Jensen permanently.
On Jensen, Thelin said: “It has taken a lot of work by people behind the scenes here at the Club, and over a number of months, but we’re pleased to get this deal for Alexander over the line. It’s another piece of the jigsaw complete in terms of strengthening the squad, and providing some reinforcement, particularly as we are experiencing some long-term injuries at the moment.
“He is one the highest performing players in Sweden so it’s a bit of coup for us to get him to Aberdeen. He is a really versatile player so he will offer us flexibility across key areas of the pitch.
“He is currently at the end of a close season so he may take a little time to get up to speed, but we will work hard with him in the coming days and weeks and we are confident he will have a positive impact for Aberdeen this season and beyond.”
St Johnstone Sanders bids
In another Not the Old Firm exclusive, we revealed that St Johnstone had knocked back two offers for Jack Sanders.
Crawley and Gillingham, both struggling in Leagues One and Two respectively, had made their moves but were rejected.
Hearts in for Chesnokov and Steinwender
Again, Not the Old Firm were first to break the news yesterday that Hearts are in talks with Kazakhstani winger Islam Chesnokov.
The Jambos are looking to add speed and quality to their attack and the 25-year-old has a good scoring record in his homeland.
All parties are in negotiations but Chesnokov does have interest from elsewhere.
His agent, Yaroslav Zvarych, told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Hearts are interested in Islam’s services. We are currently considering several options, as there have been many offers.
“Chesnokov is one of the most talented footballers in Kazakhstan and we are working on his next career step in the current transfer window. Islam is a very good player with outstanding talent. He has a powerful left foot and a high work rate.
“He would fit perfectly into Scottish football. He is technically gifted and has established himself as one of the best players in Kazakhstan.”
The Jambos are also targeting Austrian defender Michael Steinwender from Swedish side Varnamo.
Hibs Boyle latest
Hibs boss David Gray gave an update on out-of-contract and in-form attacker Martin Boyle.
Asked whether his relationship with the player could help, he answered: “Yeah, I think that does work both ways to be honest. I think it probably helps that I’ve got that little personal relationship with him.
“But then when you are talking about something like his future, it’s very important that it’s not personal at all for me. I can’t use the fact that he used to be my teammate or whatever. Not at all.
“There’s conversations going on all the time. At this moment in time, he’s really happy in playing the way he is. If that continues to the summer, then we’ll all benefit from that.”
Tony Docherty on Cameron
Dundee star Lyall Cameron is reportedly attracting interest from Rangers, and Tony Docherty isn’t surprised.
He said: “Lyall Cameron has been fantastic for this football club. He has been absolutely brilliant and you look at his numbers, he has really kicked on.
“I threw the gauntlet down to him, that with Luke (McCowan) going, that he could step up. He had done that and stepped up to the plate.
“It is no surprise when a player like that is out of contract and there will be interest in him. It is purely speculation at the moment. We have a lot of players, six or seven who are out-of-contract at the end of the season.
“We have identified, as a club, to offer contract extensions and it is then their prerogative what they do with them. A couple have come back and said they will sign and others are exploring their options.
“Lyall is in that category. It is the business we are in and it doesn’t surprise me that there is that amount of speculation about Lyall because he is an extremely talented young footballer.”
Calvin Ramsay on Kilmarnock loan
Calvin Ramsay yesterday completed his loan move after choosing Kilmarnock over other options.
And he said: “It has taken a lot of work by people behind the scenes here at the Club, and over a number of months, but we’re pleased to get this deal for Alexander over the line. It’s another piece of the jigsaw complete in terms of strengthening the squad, and providing some reinforcement, particularly as we are experiencing some long-term injuries at the moment.
“He is one the highest performing players in Sweden so it’s a bit of coup for us to get him to Aberdeen. He is a really versatile player so he will offer us flexibility across key areas of the pitch.
“He is currently at the end of a close season so he may take a little time to get up to speed, but we will work hard with him in the coming days and weeks and we are confident he will have a positive impact for Aberdeen this season and beyond.”
Derry City in Devine
Having already signed Liam Boyce from Hearts, Derry City are now targeting Inverness captain Danny Devine.
New manager Tiernan Lynch, previously linked with St Johnstone, wants the 32-year-old according to the Daily Record.
Raith departures
Championship side Raith Rovers have announced the departures of Fankaty Dabo and Korede David as well as Lewis Jamieson, who returns to parent club St Mirren.
New manager Barry Robson is now looking to add to his squad.