​Celtic are preparing to go “all out” to challenge Bologna, who are reportedly in pole position to sign Scotland international Kieron Bowie from Hellas Verona. Verona have slapped a £13m price tag on the 23-year-old amid interest from Cagliari and Sassuolo, while Celtic are also exploring moves to re-sign 29-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho and 28-year-old left-back Marcelo Saracchi, who previously spent time on loan at Boca Juniors. In addition, Celtic have tabled a £3.4m bid for 24-year-old Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, an Egypt World Cup standout, though landing Hassan would require a £10m release clause now revealed by Real Oviedo.
Meanwhile, Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, who has been linked with Rangers, says a transfer to the Glasgow club would be more appealing than a switch to Turkey, citing interest from Besiktas. Borussia Dortmund are keen on taking former Rangers loanee Mikey Moore on loan with an option to buy, though Tottenham Hotspur are less enthusiastic about a permanent departure for the 18-year-old winger. Ipswich Town and Trabzonspor have joined Lyon in expressing interest in Hearts forward Claudio Braga, aged 26.
On the Scottish scene, Hearts have rekindled their interest in Forest Green Rovers defender Laurent Mendy, submitting a fresh bid after an approach in January was rejected. Dundee manager Steven Pressley is looking to add six more players this summer and is keen to take trialist defender Owen Bevan on loan from Bournemouth. Hajduk Split have emerged as the latest club to show interest in Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen, aged 23. Swedish club Hacken and Polish side Rakow Częstochowa are targeting Aberdeen left-back Mitchel Frame, aged 20. Aberdeen are also exploring a loan move for Hull City defender Cathal McCarthy, aged 19, while Arbroath are seeking a loan for Dundee United’s 18-year-old midfielder Scott Constable, who spent last season with Airdrieonians.
Manager Martin O’Neill explained that the delay in confirming his backroom staff was partly due to his own hesitation about taking the Celtic manager’s job on a permanent basis, a factor that contributed to the two-week gap before the lineup was finalized. The ongoing transfer chatter reflects a busy summer as Celtic, Hearts, and other Scottish sides navigate a crowded market, balancing competition from European clubs and the financial realities of bidding for players who could shape the trajectories of their campaigns.