Rangers Closing In on Ross McCrorie Return as Celtic Increase Smajlovic Bid

Rangers are closing in on a deal to bring Ross McCrorie back from Bristol City, while Celtic have made an improved offer for Sandefjord's Zinedin Smaj...

Jun 24, 2026 4 min read 710 views

Rangers Closing In on Ross McCrorie Return as Celtic Increase Smajlovic Bid

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McCrorie poised for Ibrox homecoming

Rangers are reportedly on the verge of re-signing versatile defender Ross McCrorie from Bristol City, with the 28-year-old Scotland international set to return to the club where he began his career. McCrorie, who can operate at right-back, centre-back or in midfield, has spent three seasons in the Championship but is now seen as a key target to bolster Philippe Clement’s squad for the upcoming campaign.

The Rangers Review claims a deal is close, and the move would bring a homegrown talent back to Ibrox after McCrorie made over 40 appearances for the Gers before joining Aberdeen on loan and eventually moving south. His versatility and experience would provide valuable cover across multiple positions, a trait Rangers have lacked at times.

Celtic up the ante for Smajlovic

Rivals Celtic have submitted an improved offer for Sandefjord centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic, worth £3.9 million with an additional £1.7 million in bonuses. The 22-year-old has attracted a host of suitors, including Rangers, Olympiacos, Hull City, Fenerbahçe, Toulouse, Feyenoord and Lyon, but the Norwegian club are under no immediate pressure to sell.

Transfer insider Rudy Galetti reports that Smajlovic remains a priority for Celtic, who are seeking defensive reinforcements. However, the fierce competition could drive the price higher or force the Glasgow side to move quickly. Meanwhile, Rangers are also preparing a formal bid for Dundee centre-half Luke Graham, with Football Insider indicating an offer will be lodged in the coming weeks. Dundee boss Steven Pressley confirmed “plenty of phone calls” but no firm bids yet for the 22-year-old.

Hearts face Greek tug-of-war for Kyziridis

Heart of Midlothian winger Alexandros Kyziridis is a target for Greece’s top four clubs—Olympiacos, PAOK, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos—according to Fussball Europa. The 25-year-old is valued at £2.6m–£3.4m by Hearts, who will need to weigh whether to cash in or keep a key attacker.

In a separate deal, forward Sabri Guendouz has said goodbye to Beerschot and is in Edinburgh for a medical ahead of a six-figure move to Tynecastle. The 26-year-old would add depth to the front line as new head coach Wouter Vrancken prepares to take charge. Vrancken arrives in Edinburgh on Wednesday to finalise terms, hoping to bring assistants Tim Smolders and Cederique Tulleners with him.

Hibs hold firm on Chaiwa; other whispers

Hibernian have told potential suitors—including Celtic and several English clubs—that they have no intention of selling 22-year-old Zambian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa this summer, per the Edinburgh Evening News. The Easter Road side value Chaiwa as a long-term asset and are resisting overtures.

Elsewhere, Celtic didn’t follow up quickly enough on a video call with Elias Filet, who joined La Louvière instead, while Go Ahead Eagles insist no contact has been made over Danish attacker Jakob Breum. In the USA, Monterey Bay have offered a contract to ex-Dundee United midfielder Lewis O’Donnell. Finally, a host of out-of-contract players, including Charlie McArthur, Andrew Shinnie and Kyle Magennis, have joined the first-ever PFA Scotland pre-season camp.

Key Takeaways

Rangers are closing in on a deal to bring Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox from Bristol City.
Celtic have tabled an improved offer for Sandefjord defender Zinedin Smajlovic, but face competition from Rangers and European clubs.
Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis is wanted by Greece’s top four, with a price tag set between £2.6m and £3.4m.
Hibernian are standing firm on Miguel Chaiwa amid interest from Celtic and others.
Rangers are also preparing a formal offer for Dundee centre-back Luke Graham.