Glasgow, 07.11.2018, Ibrox Stadion, Fussball, Scottish Premiership, Glasgow Rangers Imago Images
Aberdeen are closing in on their tenth summer signing after a bid for Livingston winger Lewis Smith was accepted by the Championship club.
The 26-year-old has been given permission to travel north, with a long-term deal at Pittodrie expected to follow if personal terms are agreed successfully.
Smith scored seven goals and contributed assists for Livingston last season, impressing despite his club’s relegation from the Premiership.
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson confirmed after Saturday’s friendly win over Linfield that his side were close to landing one of two wingers he wanted to add this summer.
The Dons moved decisively for Smith after selling Finnish international Topi Keskinen to Odense for over one million pounds last week, freeing up funds for further recruitment.
Smith has been a key figure for Livingston since Davie Martindale signed him from Hamilton in 2024, and Robinson believes he can offer more quality in the final third.
At Rangers, Derek McInnes is continuing to shape his squad ahead of the new Premiership season, with midfielders Vanja Dragojevic and Jens Hjerto-Dahl remaining targets for the Ibrox club.
McInnes handed Dan Neil the captain’s armband during Sunday’s friendly draw with Kaizer Chiefs in Spain, with Lawrence Shankland taking over the role after coming on around the 70-minute mark.
Findlay Curtis delivered one of the highlights of the camp by scoring a late equaliser against the South Africans, underlining his value as a natural wide option for the new manager.
McInnes has acknowledged that sales will likely be needed before further signings can be completed, with John Souttar and Danilo considered among those who could depart Ibrox.
Celtic meanwhile are facing uncertainty over captain Callum McGregor, with the club fearing he could leave, while manager Martin O’Neill is keen for Daizen Maeda to ignore outside interest and commit to the club.
Camilo Duran remains Celtic’s only summer signing so far, and supporters are eager to see more arrivals before the transfer window closes.
Dundee United have completed a deal for Bastia winger Mehdi Merghem, with the player signing a two-year contract at Tannadice as confirmed by Record Sport last week.
Airdrie manager John Rankin has promised supporters he will only bring in players who genuinely improve his squad, saying “I don’t want to sign players for the sake of signing players.”
Rankin added: “I want to do it for the long-term. I want to make sure we get the right bodies in and ones that complement the group.”
Falkirk boss John McGlynn will be encouraged by striker Ross MacIver, who hit a hat-trick on the opening day, with the 27-year-old looking to put an injury-disrupted campaign firmly behind him.
MacIver, who was restricted to just nine league starts last season due to an ankle injury, said: “Last season I started off playing then it was disappointing being out for so long. All I want to do is play as many games as I can.”
Southampton are also active in the market and are reportedly closing in on a nine-million-pound deal for Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin, who scored ten Championship goals on loan at Preston North End last season.
About the Author
