LiveScottish football transfer RECAP: Hearts sign Gary Mackay-Steven, Celtic in signing talks over first January signing, Rangers lay out contract discussions, Celtic winger was 'out of control'
Scottish football transfer news on Friday, January 8.
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="524" width="982" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
Things are hotting up in the January transfer window in the SPFL. Hibs have made their first signing in the form of Matt Macey, a goalkeeper from Arsenal who joins the Easter Road club until the end of the season and is expected to play back-up to goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.
Hearts, meanwhile, could be about to make a major splash with the news that Gary Mackay-Steven is on the verge of joining the Tynecastle club on a two-and-a-half-year deal after his spell in the MLS.
Rangers managed to tie down highly-rated youngster Kai Kennedy to a new deal on Thursday and his move to Raith Rovers on loan until the end of the campaign was confirmed earlier today.
Here’s everything else that has happened so far today:
Scottish Football LIVE: Latest news and transfers
Last updated: Friday, 08 January, 2021, 21:05
- Rangers confirm new deal for starlet
- Hibs sign goalkeeper
- St Mirren add striker
- Ross County sign midfielder
- Hearts near GMS signing
Celtic in Benkovic talks
Celtic are in talks to sign Filip Benkovic from Leicester City, possibly on a permanent basis, according to Sky Sports.
The Parkhead club have opened discussions after they were given the green light by former manager, and current Foxes head coach, Brendan Rodgers.
Neil Lennon is in the market for a centre-back in the January window after Christopher Jullien was ruled out until April.
Shved was “out of control”
Mechelen manager Wouter Vrancken says Celtic loanee Marian Shved “out of control” as he revealed his reasons for heavily criticising the player in public.
The Ukrainian winger failed to cement a place in the first-team at the Belgian club and was told by his manager in the press that he should "go play billiards for the rest of his life or something".
However, Shved seems to have bucked up his ideas since, recently scoring the winning goal against Mouscron.
Steven Gerrard on McGregor contract
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard says it’s down to Allan McGregor whether the goalkeeper wants to stay on at Ibrox for another year.
The club would like to offer the No.1 another 12 months after excellent form this season.
However, the goalkeeper will turn 40 this season and the club are being both patient and understanding as to the desires of the player.
Hearts near GMS deal
Hearts are set to sign Gary Mackay-Steven on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The winger is a free agent after leaving New York City.
Gerrard keen to keep Balogun
Steven Gerrard has revealed he is keen to keep Leon Balogun at Rangers.
The centre-back’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Gerrard said: “Leon is someone we want to keep a hold of. He’s performing ever so well. He signed a contract with the option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season. There’s no rush. He’s enjoying it and he’s made the squad stronger.”
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.