The Scottish Premiership is in cold storage for the international break – but clubs will be using the time to plan for a busy winter transfer window.
The January sales will be open soon and a few bargains are already on offer for clubs with both Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement at Rangers facing the prospect of selling key men in January – or losing them for nothing when the curtain is pulled down on the league season. On the flip side, the big two and title hopefuls Aberdeen could be eyeing a cheap recruitment drive from some of their league rivals – while keeping their important stars inside Pittodrie amid the Jimmy Thelin-led rise to the Premiership summit.
At the bottom, Hearts and Hibs also face a battle to keep their experience heads amid a relegation scrap. Bargains are on the agenda for our top flight clubs but there are already plenty on offer for keen bosses if they are quick off the mark. Record Sport takes a look at who could pen a pre-contract exit from their current club in January.
GK – Kasper Schmeichel (Celtic)
The veteran shot-stopper hasn’t struggled to fill the gloves left behind by Joe Hart in the summer. The 38-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets in his first 19 appearances for Celtic – and earned particular praise for his superb display in the 0-0 draw away draw with Atalanta in the Champions League and last weekend’s win over Kilmarnock. Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to keep that kind of form around – and it’s likely the Dane will be offered a new deal.
RB – Chris Cadden (Hibs)
It’s been a tough season so far for Hibs with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premiership with just one league win all season. But with a big clearout on the cards next summer with 17 players out of contract one man they won’t want to let go is Chris Cadden. The Scotland cap boasts a wealth of experience that could walk out of the Easter Road door for nothing.
CB – Leon Balogun (Rangers)
At 36, many would have expected Leon Balogun to be acting as back-up in the Rangers’ pecking order this season. But in recent weeks Philippe Clement has turned to the the Nigeria international as his first-choice ahead off summer recruit Robin Propper. Could an extension be in the works, or will another club move to snap up the centre-back?
CB – Declan Gallagher (Dundee United)
Dundee United have enjoyed an impressive return to the Scottish Premiership – with Jim Goodwin leading the side into the upper reaches of the table after claiming the Championship crown last summer. Declan Gallagher has been a key part of the rise – and with just months remaining on his deal Goodwin will be desperate to keep the 33-year-old at Tannadice.
LB – Greg Taylor (Celtic)
While Brendan Rodgers earmarked a new contract for Greg Taylor as a priority at the start of the season, it has gone quiet on talks over an extension with the clock ticking on his current deal. The 27-year-old has won over his Celtic doubters in recent seasons as he established himself as the first-choice left-back at the club. This season he is battling Barcelona loanee Alex Valle for his position.
RM – James Forrest (Celtic)
James Forrest has won 24 trophies for Celtic, making him one of the club’s most decorated players and he is close to tying Bobby Lennox’s record for the most trophies won by a Hoops’ player – but could time almost be up for the winger at the club? The 33-year-old has mainly been limited to appearances off the bench following the emergence of Nicolas Kuhn this season.
CM – Tom Lawrence (Rangers)
Tom Lawrence has endured an injury-hampered spell at Rangers – but has emerged as Philippe Clement’s go-to man in the playmaker role so far this season. With 3 goals and made 3 assists so far this season the Welshman will likely be attracting admiring glances from other clubs when January rolls around.
CM – Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen)
It has been an unbelievable season for Aberdeen so far – and Jamie McGrath has been at the heart of the Dons surprise title tilt. The Ireland international is one of the key men for Jimmy Thelin and the Swedish boss will be desperate for Dave Cormack to fund an extension and scare off potential suitors eyeing a bargain.
LM – Barrie McKay (Hearts)
It has been a tough season at Hearts so far – and Barrie McKay hasn’t been able to avoid the Tynecastle turbulence. He has lost his place on the left flank to Yan Dhanda and Blair Spittal at various points throughout the campaign – and has yet to make a single startunder Neil Critchley. The 29-year-old will hope to use the international break to win over the boss – and attempt to land a new deal.
ST – Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)
The transfer saga is finally reaching an end game with Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland rapidly approaching the end of his contract. He has been touted with moves overseas, south of the border and to Rangers – so the winter window could finally be the time for the Jambos to cash in on the frontman who has failed to match the scoring exploits of last season.
ST – Kyle Vassell (Kilmarnock)
The Kilmarnock captain is key to Derek McInnes’ style of play that has proven so effective in Ayrshire. The boss will be desperate to keep his talisman at Rugby Park – but other Premiership sides may be taking admiring glances at the striker when January rolls around.
The out of contract XI in full
