FOOTBALL
Graeme Macleod looks ahead to the impending January transfer window
Celtic
January is always a key month for clubs across Scotland as they are handed a month-long opportunity to add to their squads. You either love or loathe the January Transfer Window but one thing, it is always hectic – 2009 will be no different. So Dunedin Napier News has decided to take a look at who will be the big movers and shakers across Scottish football next month.
At this stage it looks like the biggest movers could be Celtic. The Glasgow club have controversially suspended star winger Aiden McGeady and the Republic of Ireland international could be on his way out of Parkhead next month. Bayern Munich, Espanyol and English pair Sunderland and Newcastle are rumoured suitors for the £8 million-rated wide man.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has secured the services of Dundee United goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska on a pre-contract. He may also look to reinvest the McGeady money should the 22-year-old be sold. Hungarian Szabolc Huszti has been linked as a replacement while CSKA Sofia defender Ivan Ivanov is also a rumour target. Meanwhile, The Hoops are on the verge of snapping up Czech left-back Milan Misun.
Hearts
In Edinburgh, Hearts’ financial woes could lead to an exodus at Tynecastle. Andrew Driver and Christophe Berra have both been linked with Rangers. English outfits Fulham and Wolves have also courted Berra in the past. Another player linked with a move down south is midfielder Laryea Kingston.
The Ghanaian could be on his way to Portsmouth and team mate Marius Zaliukas has been linked with several clubs in Russia.
Hibs
Hibernian have already agreed a deal to bring in Finland international Jonatan Johansson. The Easter Road club are also running the rule over former Dundee United goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski. Meanwhile, boss Mixu Paatelainen will be hoping to keep a hold of star man Stephen Fletcher. The striker has been strongly linked with moves away from Easter Road in the past, including to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen have been linked with a loan swoop for their former striker Eugene Dadi. The Ivorian is currently plying his trade in Australia but has said he would welcome a return to Pittodrie.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline defender Richie Byrne has been training with Inverness CT. Boss Craig Brewster will continue to run the rule over the Irishman before deciding whether to offer him a deal.
Falkirk
Falkirk fear influential midfielder Russell Latapy could leave as soon as next week to take up a coaching post with his native Trinidad and Tobago.
Motherwell
Motherwell may look at taking in Celtic defender John Kennedy. The injury-plagued centre-back almost joined The Steelmen on loan in the summer. Boss Mark McGhee could renew his interest in January.
Dundee United
Dundee United may look to replace departing goalkeeper Zaluska. Craig Levein will also be hoping to keep a hold of loan players Warren Feeney and Roy O’Donovan.
St Mirren
In Paisley, St Mirren boss Gus McPherson will be looking to bolster his squad in time for the club’s move to their new stadium.
Hamilton and Kilmarnock
Hamilton boss Billy Reid has stated his intention to add experienced players to his squad as they look to survive relegation. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies is a renowned wheeler-dealer.
