Your January 17 transfer window update is here. Not The Old Firm delivers news on Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Dundee, St Mirren and St Johnstone.
Islam Chesnokov Hearts bid criticised & Andrew McKinlay update
Hearts have been criticised for trying to buy FC Tobol star Islam Chesnokov on the cheap.
We told you that the Jambos are in talks to sign the Kazakhstan international – and a bid has now been confirmed by FC Tobol’s sporting director Sanzhar Seitkazinov.
But Hearts’ transfer offer has been slammed by Seitkazinov. He said: “Hearts wants Chesnokov almost for free. We consider this unacceptable.
“Giving him away for free is wrong, because the club invested in his development. We asked Hearts to come back with another offer, if possible.
“The club’s position is this – if we were really offered the £500,000 that has been reported, we would have taken him to Scotland ourselves!”
Meanwhile, Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay has addressed the January transfer window. He has told supporters that he wants one or two more new signings before the deadline.
In addition, McKinlay has confirmed work for the summer and the next January window is already underway.
Hibs transfer bid for Matias Siltanen
Hibs have reportedly lodged a £735k transfer bid for KuPS wonderkid Matias Siltanen. Siltanen is only 17 but is regarded as one of the world’s most exciting young players.
However, the Hibees are said to be facing competition from Swedish outfit Djurgårdens IF.
Dundee’s Jordan McGhee to Motherwell?
According to the BBC, Dundee defender Jordan McGhee has signed a pre-contract deal with Premiership rivals Motherwell.
The 28-year-old’s contract at Dens Park expires in the summer but it has been stated that the Steelmen could try and bring McGhee to Fir Park this month.
In more Motherwell transfer news, the Daily Record claim the club are in talks to sign Carlisle United striker Luke Armstrong on loan.
The 28-year-old has played 24 games for Carlisle this season, scoring three goals and notching two assists.
Dundee United close to 2 signings
Jim Goodwin says Dundee United are closing in on making two new signings and hopes one of them can be recruited in time before the Dundee derby on Monday night in the Scottish Cup.
Goodwin said: “It’s 50/50 right now regarding Monday, but we’re working hard to get these deals over the line.
“I think we’re quite close with one definitely, and possibly two. There’s still a bit of time before the game on Monday to try and get at least one of those over the line.”
Kilmarnock confirm loan recall
Jack Burroughs has returned to Coventry City after spending the first half of the campaign with Kilmarnock.
The Ayrshire club issued a statement saying: “We can confirm that Jack Burroughs has been recalled by Coventry City.
“The defender made 14 appearances for us during his loan spell, which included a start in Copenhagen less than 48 hours after signing. All the best for the future, Jack.”
St Johnstone transfer latest
According to The Courier, St Johnstone are set to hand former Udinese and CSKA Moscow star Roman Eremenko a short-term contract.
The 37-year-old Eremenko has impressed on trial at McDiarmid Park and could link up with Saints boss and fellow countryman Simo Valakari.
Eremenko is the brother of Alexei Eremenko who enjoyed two spells with Kilmarnock between 2010 and 2015.
In other news, 19-year-old Sheffield United defender Sam Curtis is said to be training with St Johnstone ahead of a potential loan move.
Curtis was recalled by the Blades this month after spending the first half of the season with Peterborough United.
St Mirren waiting on 3 loan transfers
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson says the club could make three new loan signings before the end of the transfer window. He said: “We’re actually waiting on three deals, all loan deals.
“You’re always at the mercy of the parent club at bigger levels. We’re doing the same, holding some players back to make sure we get what we need. Everybody is doing that at this moment in time.
“We know what we need to get in and we know where we want to improve. We believe if we are able to get even two out of the three loan deals through then it would improve us.
“It will likely be next week if any of them are going to happen, but again we’re being dictated to by the parent club.”