The eternal Glasgow rivalry is set to extend into the summer transfer market, with both Celtic and Rangers circling BK Hacken midfielder Silas Andersen. The 20-year-old Dane has emerged as a prime target for Scotland's two biggest clubs, and the battle to secure his signature could define their respective squad rebuilds. With the Swedish side's sporting director Erik Friberg admitting Andersen's future remains uncertain, the race is on to land a player who has impressed in the Allsvenskan and could add a new dimension to either Old Firm midfield.
For Celtic, the pursuit of Andersen comes amid a period of significant transition. The club is still searching for a permanent manager following Ange Postecoglou's departure, a delay that now carries an additional risk: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could become unsettled and seek an exit if the coaching situation isn't resolved quickly. The former Liverpool man, who arrived on a free transfer last summer, has shown flashes of his quality but needs stability to commit his long-term future to Parkhead.
While Andersen represents a potential incoming, one confirmed departure is Stephen Welsh. The academy graduate and centre-back has mutually agreed to tear up the final year of his contract, bringing his 14-year association with Celtic to a premature end. Welsh made over 50 appearances for the first team but had fallen down the pecking order, and his exit frees up space for new defensive additions. It's a poignant moment for a player who lived the dream of representing his boyhood club, but now seeks regular football elsewhere.
Another name linked with Celtic, Oskar Wojcik, appears to have cooled any speculation by insisting he will not leave KS Cracovia unless he is guaranteed a starting role. The Polish forward's stance effectively rules out a move to Glasgow, where competition for places is fierce, and sends a clear message that he prioritizes playing time over prestige. This adds pressure on Celtic's recruitment team to identify alternative attacking reinforcements before the window opens.
Away from the transfer chatter, Celtic have confirmed a glamour pre-season friendly against AC Milan at Parkhead. The visit of the Italian giants will be a stern test and a commercial boost, offering new signings and young talents a chance to showcase their abilities against top-level opposition. It's also a throwback to some memorable European clashes between the two clubs, reigniting a fixture that carries historical weight.
Across the city, Rangers are preparing for a summer clear-out, and one name expected to depart is Nedim Bajrami. The Albanian midfielder has struggled to make a consistent impact since his arrival, and with manager Philippe Clement keen to reshape the squad, Bajrami has been deemed surplus to requirements. The Ibrox hierarchy will hope to recoup a significant portion of the investment they made in the player, with several clubs across Europe likely to be alerted to his availability.
The potential acquisition of Andersen could be exactly the type of statement signing Rangers need to close the gap on their rivals. A versatile, technically gifted midfielder who can operate in a box-to-box role, Andersen would fit Clement's high-energy system. But with Celtic also monitoring the situation, Hacken hold a strong negotiating position and may spark a bidding war that drives up the price beyond what either Scottish side is initially willing to pay.
Internationally, Scotland boss Steve Clarke has been dealing with the emotional fallout of Sir Kenny Dalglish's cancer diagnosis. The Liverpool and Celtic legend's health battle has sent shockwaves through the football community, and Clarke has urged his World Cup-bound squad to channel their inspiration from Dalglish's fighting spirit on the global stage. The connection between the national team and its iconic figure runs deep, and a strong performance in the tournament would be a fitting tribute.
On selection matters, Clarke revealed he trusted his gut when calling up Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher for the World Cup, bypassing more experienced options. The bold move highlights Clarke's willingness to back youth, but it inevitably raises questions about those left out. Udinese's Lennon Miller was notably snubbed as a replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour, and Clarke has personally reached out to explain his decision—a gesture that underscores the human side of high-stakes squad management.
In the lower leagues, St Johnstone have beaten off competition to sign Matty Todd from Dunfermline Athletic. The midfielder has been a standout performer in the Championship, and his move to McDiarmid Park represents a step up he'll be eager to seize. For St Johnstone, it's a shrewd piece of early business that signals their intent to build a competitive squad for the upcoming campaign.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.