SCOTLAND: SPL TRANSFER ROUND-UP

Frantic is the word to describe the transfer business of the newly-named Scottish Premiership, Celtic linked to a Dutch winger, with Hibernian, Partick Thistle, Aberdeen, St. Johnstone and St. Mirren also busy adding to their ranks before the big kick-off this weekend.

Celtic are due to complete the signing of Ajax left winger Derk Boerritger according to reports, the 26-year old left winger is due in Glasgow this week for talks with manager Neil Lennon and to undergo a medical over a potential three-year deal. Former Rangers player Frank de Boer has agreed the deal as Boerritiger is no longer first choice in the Ajax side. Since signing for the Amsterdam club from RKC Waalwijk, Boerritiger has bagged 12 goals in 45 games. Celtic are eager to add to their attacking options after the sale of last season’s top scorer Gary Hooper to Norwich City.

Hibs have put their European shock display behind them and went out and splashed £200,000 on Swindon striker James Collins, the 22 year old former under-21 Republic of Ireland International is ready to help make the Malmo result a distant memory and he can’t wait to get started as he is bought to replace outgoing Hibs loanee and fans favourite Leigh Griffiths he told the Scottish Sun : “Scottish football will be a challenge for me but I’ve scored goals down south and hopefully I can do the same for Hibs. I want to rise to the challenge of replacing Leigh and show the fans what I can do.

“I’ve never actually watched an Edinburgh derby so it will be a new experience for me. He said: “I just can’t wait to get started. Monday is my first day and it will be good to meet the boys.”

“When Swindon accepted the bid, I looked into the club and then came up to meet the manager and see the facilities. The set-up is fantastic and I was really pleased with what the manager had to say to me. I knew straight away that Hibs was the club for me and I just can’t wait to get going.”

Partick Thistle have added Mexican flavour to their squad signing defender Gabriel Rojo de la Vega Piccolo on a two-year deal the 23 year old is happy to be in Glasgow after spending last season in Rayo Vallencano’s B Team he told BBC Sport: “I must admit that Glasgow is a lovely city and what pleased me is that the rest of the boys made me feel very welcome,” Piccolo said. “I am very grateful for getting the opportunity to play here and I think it will be a good deal for both club and myself.”

Ex-Hearts left back Danny Grainger has joined League cup holders St. Mirren on a one-year deal with an option of a further year, Grainger has a wealth of Scottish football experience with his time at Hearts, St Johnstone Dundee Utd and Gretna, he was recently on trial with English League one side Sheffield United.

Danny Lennon, St Mirren manager is delighted to get his man as he told BBC Sport: “We lost a very good left back at the end of last season when Paul Dummett left. Danny is a top quality left back to replace him. He has the ability, experience and character we are looking for to help take the club forward and we are delighted to have him on board.”

European giant killers St Johnstone have re-signed midfielder Murray Davidson- Davidson whose contract expired in the summer attracted interest from Rangers has penned a new one-year deal and should be in contention to feature in the upcoming Europa League ties against FC Minsk of Belarus, Tommy Wright told his club website: “It’s great news for the club. He put pen to paper yesterday morning before the Europa game and it’s great to have him back.”

Aberdeen and Inverness complete the round-up all adding one signing each to their squads.

Aberdeen added Michael Hector from Reading for defensive cover the 21-year old centre half spent last season on-loan to Aldershot Town and Cheltenham Dons manager Derek McInnes is happy with this signing as he told BBC Sport Hector is “a big strong lad who comes with a good pedigree”. This signing is to be the end of Aberdeen’s business in the window.

Inverness picked up Torbjon Agdestien on a six-month deal after his release from English Championship club Brighton, despite only signing a new contract in March last year. Butcher is delighted to have the big target man on board. “He is six feet one inch tall and gives us the option of height up front – quite a contrast with wee Billy McKay, our top striker,”