Transfer News: Rangers Beat Arsenal to Sign Wonderkid, Celtic Target £7m, Hibernian Advised to Sign Former Player and More.

Celtic Target

Celtic is considering a move for Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter, with a reported price tag of £7 million. The 26-year-old has attracted attention from several clubs, including Ipswich Town, Burnley, Stoke City, and Crystal Palace. Stoke City, in particular, is keen on securing him, considering him their primary target for the summer, with a transfer fee estimated between £5-7 million. Clarke-Salter still has two years left on his current contract with QPR, and it remains to be seen if Celtic will make a move at the stated price.

Rangers Land Signature of Wonderkid

Rangers have successfully fended off interest from Arsenal to secure the signing of talented youngster Alexander Smith on his first professional deal. The 15-year-old attacking midfielder, who holds dual citizenship with the USA and Scotland, has been shining in Rangers’ youth academy. Initially, Arsenal seemed poised to acquire Smith, with reports suggesting a six-figure compensation fee. However, a change of heart has seen Rangers close in on a deal to retain the promising talent.

Hibernian Advised to Re-sign Former Player

Hibs are advised to reconsider letting Alex Gogic leave and should attempt to re-sign him from St Mirren, according to former Hibs forward turned pundit Tam McManus. McManus believes Gogic’s departure was a mistake, especially considering Hibs’ defensive struggles. Gogic, who is out of contract this summer, has been a standout performer for St Mirren, solidifying their defense. McManus suggests that bringing back Gogic could significantly bolster Hibs’ backline, given his reliability and versatility.

Hearts Will Sell Shankland

Hearts are open to selling captain Lawrence Shankland for the right price this summer, as he enters the final year of his contract. The Edinburgh club is aware of interest from various quarters in the 28-year-old striker, who has been in prolific form, scoring 29 goals in 48 appearances this season for club and country. Hearts are keen to avoid a repeat of the situation with Josh Ginnelly, who left the club on a free transfer last year. However, they are holding firm on their £5 million valuation set in the January transfer window for the player, despite no official bids received so far.