Rangers close to McCrorie return as Celtic up Smajlovic bid

Rangers are reportedly closing in on the signing of versatile defender Ross McCrorie from Bristol City, as the 28-year-old Scotland international nears a return to Ibrox. The news comes amid a flurry of transfer activity involving Scottish clubs, with Celtic also said to have submitted an improved offer for Sandefjord centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic.

According to the Rangers Review, McCrorie – who came through the Rangers academy – could be on his way back to Glasgow after three years with the Championship side. The defender is capable of playing at right-back, centre-back or in midfield and has earned two caps for Scotland.

Celtic's Smajlovic bid & Rangers target Graham

Celtic have reportedly increased their offer for 22-year-old Smajlovic to £3.9 million plus £1.7 million in bonuses, according to Rudy Galetti. However, Sandefjord are said to be under no pressure to sell, with interest also coming from Rangers, Olympiacos, Hull City, Fenerbahçe, Toulouse, Feyenoord and Lyon.

Rangers are also preparing a formal offer for Dundee centre-back Luke Graham, also 22, as per Football Insider. Dundee head coach Steven Pressley acknowledged receiving "plenty of phone calls" about the defender but confirmed no firm bids have been lodged yet.

Hearts active in market

Hearts are also making moves, with winger Alexandros Kyziridis linked to top Greek clubs Olympiacos, PAOK, AEK Athens and Panathinaikos. The Edinburgh club is reportedly asking for a fee between £2.6 million and £3.4 million for the 25-year-old.

• Rangers close to re-signing Ross McCrorie from Bristol City.
• Celtic's improved £3.9m plus bonuses bid for Zinedin Smajlovic.
• Rangers preparing offer for Dundee's Luke Graham.
• Hearts set asking price for Alexandros Kyziridis amidst Greek interest.
• Sabri Guendouz set for Hearts medical after leaving Beerschot.

In other Hearts news, forward Sabri Guendouz has said his goodbyes to Belgian side Beerschot and is reportedly in Edinburgh for a medical ahead of a six-figure transfer. Meanwhile, Hibernian have stated they have no intention of selling Miguel Chaiwa despite links to Celtic and English clubs.