Rangers deal imminent, two new arrivals, Celtic eye keeper, Hearts exit, striker arrives - Scottish transfers

New defender to join Rangers

Rangers are set to complete the signing of Atalanta centre-half Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Former Everton and Norwich City centre-half Godfrey, 28, joined the Serie A side two years ago but has struggled to make a first-team impact in Bergamo. He has spent the past 18 months on loan at Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Brondby.

Rangers head coach Derek McInnes is keen to reinforce his options at centre-half and according to reports, Godfrey is poised to join at the start of next week.

Godfrey was capped twice by England in 2021 under manager Gareth Southgate.

Rice and O’Hara join Killie

Kilmarnock have announced the loan signing of midfielder Bailey Rice from Rangers.

The 19-year-old, who has made 16 first-team appearances, agreed a new contract at Ibrox this summer and will look to continue his development at Rugby Park.

“It’s a big club and we’ve got a good team,” said Rice, who will join up with Neil McCann’s side when they travel to Northern Ireland for the next part of their pre-season preparations. “I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back and that’s what I like. I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that on to the pitch and take games by the scruff of the neck.”

Kilmarnock have also confirmed the signing of former midfielder Mark O’Hara, who rejoins the club after several years with St Mirren.

Chesnokov leaves Hearts

Hearts forward Islam Chesnokov has completed his move back to his former club FC Tobol in Kazakhstan.

Chesnokov joined Hearts in January, but the 26-year-old struggled to break into the first team at Tynecastle and has decided to move home.

A social media post from Hearts read: “Islam Chesnokov has left the club to join FC Tobol. He makes a permanent move back to Kazakhstan for an undisclosed fee. The club wishes Islam well for the future.”

Meanwhile, Hearts have announced that they will play Livingston for Scott Pittman’s testimonial on Friday, July 10 at the Home of the Set Fare Arena.

Celtic want new keeper

Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst is reportedly a transfer target for Celtic as they look to strengthen their options between the sticks.

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has identified goalkeeper as a priority position after Kasper Schmeichel left the club at the end of the season, leaving Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan as their senior options.

Ernst, 23, is being considered by Celtic after a break-out season for Hertha, according to media in Germany.

It is also claimed that Ernst is being monitored by Dutch side Ajax.

New Aberdeen striker

Aberdeen have signed Moroccan striker Ayoub Mouloua from FUS Rabat for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance and visa formalities.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract after completing his medical at Cormack Park. Mouloua becomes Stephen Robinson's eighth permanent recruit of the summer transfer window.

Robinson said: "We have been tracking Ayoub for several months now and have made a number of trips to Morocco to watch him play and get a real feel for the type of player and person he is.

"He's a brave, aggressive striker who will give us a real physical presence in attack, but he's much more than that. He's mobile, works tirelessly for the team and has shown he knows where the goal is. When I got the chance to speak with him, it was clear he was hungry for the opportunity to join Aberdeen and take the next step in his career.”