Celtic defender weighs up European ‘interest’ as medical ‘booked’ for incoming Rangers striker

Celtic and Rangers’ are back in pre-season training as preparations for the 2023/24 campaign begin, with both clubs expected to add new signings over the coming weeks.

An out-of-favour Hoops defender could be the first player to leave Parkhead under the new Brendan Rodgers era, while Rangers are closing in on their sixth new recruit. Here are the latest transfer news headlines affecting both Glasgow giants on Monday, July 3:

Celtic defender attracts European ‘interest’

Fourth choice Hoops centre-back Stephen Welsh is attracting interest from clubs in Italy and Germany this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The 23-year-old, who slipped out of the first-team picture under Ange Postecoglou, has several options on the table to consider as the Hoops return for pre-season training today with new boss Brendan Rodgers set to assess his squad before making decisions on certain players’ futures.

The Parkhead club rejected loan-to-buy offers for Welsh from Serie A outfit Udinese and Ligue 1 side Toulouse last year and the defender saw his hopes of a January loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday dashed, with the Scottish champions keen to keep him on the books.

However, a move seems likely this summer given Welsh currently finds himself well down the pecking order and Hellas Verona are ‘considering’ whether to ramp up their efforts to land the former Scotland youth international as they attempt to strengthen their defensive ranks.

Italian outlet Arena reports Welsh, who hasn’t played for Celtic since the 2-1 win over St Johnstone in October 2022, could be among the “first reinforcements” but Bologna are also claimed to be admirers. It’s unlikely Rodgers will stand in the player’s way should he decide his future lies elsewhere.

Medical ‘booked’ for Rangers attacking target

Rangers have finally agreed transfer fee with Italian side Cremonese to sign Cyriel Dessers after a lengthy pursuit with the striker booked in for a medical to complete his move to Ibrox this week.

The Nigerian international, who is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the Light Blues should he successfully pass medical tests, will become the sixth new arrival of the summer under Michael Beale.

Reports in Belgium, where Dessers played for Genk before moving to Italy, claim the Gers have stumped up just over £4million to secure the frontman’s signature after the player agreed a switch to Glasgow.

Journalist Sven Claes tweeted: “Cyriel Dessers will leave Cremonese and sign a four-year contract at Glasgow Rangers. Medicals booked today and tomorrow. Fee: €5m.”

Meanwhile, Rangers are still working on deals for Los Angeles midfielder Jose Cifuentes, Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo and Feyenoord attacker Danilo.