The Old Firm transfer window is accelerating sharply, with both Rangers and Celtic working on multiple fronts as the new Scottish Premiership season approaches. Several deals appear close to completion, and the business from Ibrox and Parkhead over the coming days could significantly reshape the rivalry before a ball is kicked.

Rangers look to plug striker gap

Rangers are exploring a short-term loan move for Rayan Fofana, the 20-year-old forward currently on the books at Lens in Ligue 1. The interest is understood to be a direct response to the injury sustained by Youssef Chermiti, leaving Philippe Clement short of recognised centre-forward options. A temporary deal would allow the club to cover that position without committing to a permanent transfer fee.

More eye-catching, however, is the progress on a deal for Kim Min-Su. The 20-year-old South Korea international plays as a winger for Girona and reportedly has a release clause in his contract worth £8.5m. According to reports, Rangers are edging towards triggering that clause and have already pencilled in a medical for Monday. If confirmed, it would represent a significant outlay for the Ibrox club and a clear statement of ambition after a difficult domestic campaign last term.

Celtic target Mahmic and Chelsea loan

Across the city, Celtic appear to be the most active club in Scottish football right now. Their primary midfield target is Ermin Mahmic, a 21-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international currently at Slovan Liberec. Celtic have entered concrete talks over a deal believed to be structured at around £7m, with a further £1.5m available in performance-related add-ons. Mahmic caught the eye at the recent World Cup and has attracted interest from Schalke, Club Brugge, Union St-Gilloise, and Toulouse — but Celtic are reported to be at the front of the queue.

On the defensive side, Celtic are close to agreeing a season-long loan for Landon Emenalo, the left-back from Chelsea. The move would address cover in that position, though the club are also paying close attention to the right-back market. Alistair Johnston is facing an extended period on the sidelines through injury, and Celtic have been alerted to the availability of Yuki Sugawara, the Southampton defender, as a potential option.

Hearts hold firm on Braga

Away from the Old Firm, Hearts striker Claudio Braga is the subject of interest from Lyon and Trabzonspor, but the 26-year-old has made clear he is not looking to rush a departure. That could change as the window progresses and offers firm up, but for now Braga remains a Hearts player and the Edinburgh club appear under no pressure to sell.

A window that could define Scottish football's landscape

The concentration of activity at Celtic Park and Ibrox in this window is striking. Both clubs are clearly targeting players with international pedigree and significant resale value — a reflection of how seriously each is taking both domestic and European ambitions. If Rangers do land Kim Min-Su and Celtic wrap up Mahmic, the quality of the Scottish Premiership's headline act looks set to improve considerably.

The next 48 hours — particularly that reported Rangers medical on Monday — could provide real clarity on how the market shapes up north of the border for the season ahead.

Frequently asked

Who is Rayan Fofana and why do Rangers want him?
Rayan Fofana is a 20-year-old striker at Lens in the French top flight. Rangers are reportedly interested in a short-term loan deal to cover for the injured Youssef Chermiti, who has left the club short of striking options.
How much is Kim Min-Su's release clause and which club holds it?
Kim Min-Su, the 20-year-old South Korea international winger, has a reported release clause of £8.5m in his contract at Girona. Rangers are said to be close to triggering that clause, with a medical reportedly booked for Monday.
Who is Ermin Mahmic and why are Celtic interested?
Ermin Mahmic is a 21-year-old central midfielder from Bosnia-Herzegovina who plays for Slovan Liberec. He attracted attention with his performances at the World Cup and Celtic are reportedly in advanced talks to sign him for around £7m, potentially rising to £8.5m with add-ons, despite competition from several European clubs.