Celtic, Bologna and Sassuolo among clubs pursuing strikers as Scottish transfers progress

Transfer talks advance as clubs target strikers and defenders across Europe

What happened: Multiple European clubs held transfer talks involving strikers and defenders, with negotiations reported for moves involving Kieron Bowie, Tobias Lauritsen and Mikey Moore. Where: Discussions involve clubs in Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands and England. Who announced: Reports and club statements cited by Daily Record, Sky Sports, Il Secolo XIX, Football Insider and club sources provided the information. When: Reports emerged in recent days during the ongoing summer transfer window. Key outcome: Talks are underway but no confirmed permanent transfers were reported in the cited coverage.

Sassuolo and Bologna have engaged Hellas Verona over 23-year-old Scotland striker Kieron Bowie, who is valued at around £10 million, according to the Daily Record. The club talks follow Verona’s relegation and signal interest from Italian sides in securing the forward.

Separately, Celtic have been linked with Norwegian striker Tobias Lauritsen, now a free agent after leaving Sparta Rotterdam. Il Secolo XIX and transfer correspondent updates indicate Sampdoria and Leicester City have also shown interest in the 28-year-old.

Celtic are also reported to be preparing fresh contract talks with right-back Anthony Ralston, who enters the final year of his current deal, and agents for 24-year-old striker Camilo Duran arrived in Scotland to progress a potential move from Qarabag.

Defensive targets and loan moves feature in the market activity. Orgryte sports director Pontus Farnerud acknowledged interest in defender Michael Parker, linked to Celtic, while clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Cologne and PSV Eindhoven have shown interest in securing Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore on loan after his spell with Rangers.

Loan activity involving younger players continues: Charlton Athletic’s Zach Mitchell is set for a second loan at St Johnstone, manager Simo Valakari confirmed. Wigan Athletic have offered a contract to Trinidad & Tobago centre-back Kieran Ngwenya, while Huddersfield Town remain in talks with the 23-year-old.

Player movements among free agents and trials were also noted. Kieran Wright, the released Rangers goalkeeper, appeared as a trialist for Dunfermline Athletic in a pre-season friendly as he seeks a new club. Ryan Strain joined PFA Scotland’s inaugural free-agent training camp after leaving Dundee United.

Jack Hendry signed a new two-year contract with Al Ettifaq, becoming the highest-paid Scotland international at age 31, the club confirmed via Sky Sports.

The reported negotiations reflect typical summer window activity, with clubs assessing options on permanent transfers, loans and free-agent signings while official confirmations remain pending.