Celtic, Rangers and Baur Lead Transfer Activity

Celtic Close in on Midfielder Mika Baur

Celtic have now agreed personal terms with 22‑year‑old Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, according to Fabrizio Romano. Talks are still ongoing with the German club, who are asking for a £4 million fee, and Baur is keen to move despite interest from other European sides. Sky Sports reports that several clubs are chasing the player, but Baur has made it clear he wants a move to Celtic.

The Daily Record adds that Celtic are closing in on the £4 m transfer, signalling a near‑completion of the deal. Meanwhile, Baur’s former colleague Mark Hendry highlights the midfielder’s desire to join the Hoops, even with Bundesliga clubs watching. The signing would give Celtic a fresh option in the midfield engine room.

Ipswich Target Japan Forward Daizen Maeda

Ipswich Town have agreed a deal in principle with Celtic for Japan international Daizen Maeda, whose move could be worth up to £10 million with add‑ons. The initial fee is set at £8 million for the 28‑year‑old forward, who has been on Celtic’s roster. The deal continues a summer of activity for both clubs.

No further details on Maeda’s personal terms have been released, but the agreement marks a significant financial boost for Celtic. The transfer positions Ipswich to strengthen their attacking options for the coming season. Fans on both sides are watching the final paperwork closely.

Rangers Progress on Vanja Dragojević Transfer

Rangers have hammered out a £4.7 million fee for Vanja Dragojević with Partizan, though only £2.1 million is payable immediately in three instalments. The Serbian club will also receive 10 % of any future sale, per the Telegraf. A social‑media post showing a Rangers‑themed cake has all but confirmed the 20‑year‑old midfielder’s switch to Ibrox.

The Glasgow Times reports that the cake featured “Vanja 22” and Scottish insignia, cementing expectations of an official announcement soon. Rangers are keen to add a creative midfielder who can operate in the engine‑room. The deal would further revamp their midfield options.

Rangers Monitor James Overy and Other Moves

Rangers are tracking Manchester United full‑back James Overy, with the 18‑year‑old also attracting interest from the A‑League, according to the Daily Mail. The club is keeping a close eye on the talented youngster as they assess potential signings. This activity occurs alongside other ongoing recruitment efforts.

Apart from Overy, Brighton’s rejection of a £5 million Belgian offer for winger Amario Cozier‑Duberry has sparked interest from Rangers, Augsburg, Paris FC and West Ham United. The player remains a hot commodity in the transfer market. Rangers’ interest continues a summer of evaluating youth talent.

Other Club Connections and Rumours

Celtic have been linked with 27‑year‑old Canada right‑back Alistair Johnston, who has Everton and Fulham keen on a move, per the Scottish Sun. The Hoops are braced for competition from Premier League clubs. Johnston’s departure would free up a slot for another defensive option.

A tentative approach for Scottish left‑back James Penrice at AEK Athens has not progressed beyond an enquiry, according to Mark Hendry. Celtic remain open to further defensive additions but are not pressing the issue. The club’s board appears focused on other priorities.

Bursaspor president Enes Çelik says former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho turned down a new contract and will earn £1.2 million a year at his new club, choosing “the project over the money”. The move ends a brief spell with the Hoops. Iheanacho’s salary reflects the ambition of his new destination.

AC Milan submitted a late bid for Toulon centre‑half Sankhoun Diawara, hoping to outbid Rangers, who want the 20‑year‑old for first‑team football. The Italian side view the player as part of an under‑23 squad. Rangers aim to secure the talent before the window closes.

Club Activity Outside the Spotlight

Cardiff City continue talks with Tromsø over midfielder Jens Hjertø‑Dahl, despite Rangers’ reported interest in the 20‑year‑old, according to Wales Online. The Welsh club remains optimistic about sealing a deal. Rangers’ involvement is still speculative.

John Souttar is a target for Cardiff City, Sheffield United and Watford, with Rangers demanding a seven‑figure fee for the 29‑year‑old Scottish centre‑half. Souttar is reluctant to drop to England’s third tier for Leicester City. Rangers’ valuation appears steep amid competition.

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson says goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov is exploring other clubs, but concrete offers have yet to materialise, per the Press & Journal. The club would need more than the £200,000 they paid two seasons ago for him to consider a sale. Mitov’s future remains undecided.

Mikael Mandron has signed a two‑year contract with Stevenage after leaving St Mirren, while his move to Oxford United fell through due to a transfer embargo. The striker’s career continues on a new path. Stevenage gain an experienced attacker for their campaign.

Dundee United’s Iurie Iovu is attracting interest from across Europe, including Portugal, yet the 24‑year‑old says he wants to stay at Tannadice as he enters the final year of his contract. The club hopes to retain his services beyond the summer. European clubs will have to meet his release clause.

Harry Souttar, Australia’s centre‑back, is expected to leave Leicester City this summer, with West Ham United and Wrexham both keen on the 27‑year‑old, per the Daily Record. The move would reunite him with former team‑ mates in the Championship. Leicester look to off‑load him before the window ends.