Contract talks close to an end, as Celtic’s offer of £25 million is about to be accepted for star player… However, other clubs are about to snatch the player with “bigger” offers as high as £45 million.

As the transfer window nears its close, the Scottish football scene is buzzing with activity. Several clubs are making strategic moves to strengthen their squads, while others are dealing with the uncertainties of the market. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:

Scott McTominay’s Fulham Move Falls Through

Scott McTominay’s much-anticipated transfer to Fulham has reportedly collapsed. The London club has shifted its focus to Burnley’s Sander Berge, a Norwegian midfielder expected to complete a £20 million move to Craven Cottage within the next 24 hours. This development effectively ends Fulham’s pursuit of McTominay, the Manchester United and Scotland international.

Fulham had previously made an offer to Manchester United for McTominay, who is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. Although United manager Erik ten Hag has praised McTominay’s abilities, the club is open to selling him as they aim to raise funds for their summer rebuild. With interest also coming from Italian giants Napoli and Turkish side Galatasaray, McTominay’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain.

Aberdeen Eyes Kevin Nisbet

Aberdeen is reportedly keen on bringing Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet to Pittodrie. New Dons manager Jimmy Thelin is looking to bolster his attacking options following the departure of Bojan Miovski to Girona. Nisbet, who left Hibernian for English Championship side Millwall last summer, has struggled to make a significant impact at The Den.

Nisbet’s time at Millwall has been marred by injuries and disciplinary issues, leading to questions about his future at the club. A potential loan move back to Scotland could provide the 27-year-old striker with the opportunity to reignite his career and re-enter the national team setup, where he has been absent in recent months.

Will Fish Set for Cardiff City

Former Hibernian center-back Will Fish is on the brink of a permanent transfer to Cardiff City. The 21-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Easter Road from Manchester United but has found his pathway to the first team blocked by more established defenders at Old Trafford.

Fish’s performances at Hibs caught the attention of Cardiff City, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options in the English Championship. The move to Cardiff represents a fresh start for Fish, who is expected to sign a long-term deal with the Bluebirds. His departure leaves a gap in Hibs’ defense, and the club’s head coach David Gray is now on the hunt for replacements before the transfer window closes.

Brighton and Celtic in Talks Over Matt O’Riley

Brighton & Hove Albion remain in negotiations with Celtic over the transfer of Matt O’Riley. The 23-year-old Danish playmaker has attracted significant interest, with Brighton reportedly close to meeting Celtic’s £25 million valuation. The Premier League club’s offer surpasses that of Serie A side Atalanta, who have also made multiple bids for O’Riley.

Under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton is eager to reinforce their midfield following the departure of Pascal Gross to Borussia Dortmund. The south-coast club has already made a splash in the transfer market by signing French winger Georginio Rutter from Leeds United for £40 million. Brighton’s interest in O’Riley suggests they are not done spending and are committed to building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

Rangers Could Profit From Todd Cantwell Sale

Rangers stand to make a profit if they decide to sell Todd Cantwell during this transfer window. Former manager Michael Beale recently revealed that Cantwell was signed on a free transfer from Norwich City in January last year. Since then, Cantwell has handed in a transfer request, expressing his desire to leave Ibrox, and has been training with the reserves.

Rangers signed Cantwell alongside Nicolas Raskin, a Belgium Under-21 international, who was brought in for a fee of around £800,000. Should Rangers receive a transfer fee for Cantwell, it would represent a solid piece of business for the club, considering the midfielder’s arrival cost them nothing in terms of a transfer fee.

Summary

As the transfer deadline approaches, Scottish clubs are navigating the market with a mix of urgency and caution. Scott McTominay’s potential exit from Manchester United remains uncertain, while Aberdeen is exploring options to bring Kevin Nisbet back to Scotland. Will Fish’s impending move to Cardiff City marks a significant step in his career, and Brighton’s pursuit of Matt O’Riley underscores their ambition in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Rangers could benefit financially from the sale of Todd Cantwell, capping off what has been a busy and unpredictable transfer window in Scottish football.