Rangers are edging closer to securing a deal for Luton Town midfielder Thelo Aasgaard.
As Mail Sport exclusively revealed this week, the Norwegian is the next name on new manager Russell Martin’s most-wanted list as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of this month’s crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos.
Aasgaard was a standout under former Celtic star Shaun Maloney at Wigan before sealing a move to Kenilworth Road in January.
But despite starting every game in the Championship during the second half of last season, the 23-year-old’s dynamic performances weren’t enough to keep his side in the division.
The highly-rated Norway international is now expected to undergo a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a long-term contract at Ibrox, with the fee reportedly in the region of £4-5million.
Martin has already added Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez to the Rangers ranks since taking charge last month, with former Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron also part of the new setup having signed a pre-contract.
Manchester United stars banned from Carrington
Manchester United have told five unsettled stars to stay away from the training ground when the rest of their squad report for pre-season at Carrington on Monday.
United sources say the decision to delay the return of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia is because they want to leave the club and now have more time to explore a move.
Stryjek completes Killie move
Max Stryjek has credited new Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell as the ‘main factor’ in his decision to return to Scotland.
The 28-year-old former Livingston goalkeeper has joined the Rugby Park club from Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok on a one-year deal, and can’t wait to get started.
‘I want to do well, help the team get results and I’m really happy that I’m joining Kilmarnock,’ he told club media.
'I was actually on holiday when he [Kettlewell] first called me and I was really impressed by his personality, his ambition and everything.
‘He seemed like a really good person and I really liked his approach and professionalism. That was probably the main factor in deciding to join Kilmarnock.’
Kettlewell said: ‘Max is one I’ve been aware of for a while, especially with him playing in Scotland before, we know his qualities. He adds to the already competitive squad and we are sure that he can be a solid addition to our goalkeepers.’
Dario arrives at Dundee United
Dario Naamo believes Dundee United is the perfect place for him to take his game to new levels after signing on loan for the season ahead.
The 20-year-old Finn has joined from Austrian second-tier side SKN St Pölten in a deal which also includes an option to buy.
The wing-back has just returned from representing his country at the Under-21s European Championships in Slovakia.
He told the club’s website: ‘I’m very excited for it. I’ve just had a look at the amazing stadium.
‘I think Scotland is a very good place for me to develop as a player, and I think it was the right step for me.’
Hay reunites with Pressley at Dens Park
Dundee have announced the signing of striker Ashley Hay on a two-year deal from Brentford.
The 21-year-old worked under Dark Blues head coach Steven Pressley at the Bees, and made 23 first-team appearances on loan at Cheltenham in League Two last season.