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Neil Lennon has refuted the "hysteria" surrounding Celtic after a poor week for the Premiership champions - but he could still do with a few more signings.

The Hoops boss is chasing Rosenborg full-back Birger Meling, but a deal may have to wait until after the Norwegians play in the Champions League play-off round.

Lennon has said he still wants at least three more additions - but time is running out before the deadline on September 2.

Rangers are also battling against the clock to secure a return for Ryan Kent, and we told on Monday night how the winger is prepared to try and force it through.

Reports in England claim Liverpool will not budge on their "no more loans" stance, but as the deadline approaches, who knows what might happen.

He's been Steven Gerrard's number one target since the day he departed at the end of last term, and may be about to down tools at Anfield, such is his desire for a reunion.

Graham Dorrans, Eros Grezda are all set to leave in the next two weeks. Gerrard certainly hopes Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier won't be following them.

It's not all about Kent and Celtic though and in another exclusive we have told how Kilmarnock and Motherwell are battling to sign Celtic outcast Jack Hendry on loan.

Sticking with the champions and Lennon wants another wideman on the left flank but his priorities lie in the full-back areas. Brentford star Rico Henry, Kilmarnock's Greg Taylor and, of course, Meling of Rosenborg are left-back options. Robert Gumny of Lech Poznan and Olympiacos' Omar Elabdellaoui are targets at right-back.

Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove has been linked with a jaw-dropping move to Lazio although the Dons know nothing of it.

Stay with us for all the latest LIVE.

Lukaku 'scapegoated' at United

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Romelu Lukaku claims he was made a scapegoat at Manchester United before sealing a move to Inter Milan.

The Belgian spent two seasons at Old Trafford before being sold to the Italians for £75million.

He insists he was harshly treated at the Premier League club and believes Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez - set to join him at Inter - were given the same treatment.

They have to find somebody. It is Pogba, it is me or it is Alexis. It’s the three of us all the time. For me, I just see it in many ways.

I think a lot of stuff has been said, where I didn’t feel protected.

A lot of rumours, ‘Rom is going to go there, they don’t want Rom’ and nobody came out and shot it down.

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DONE DEAL! Zappacosta joins Roma

Davide Zappacosta has signed a new contract with Chelsea before completing a loan move to Roma.

The full-back now has a deal at Stamford Bridge until 2022 but will spend the coming season back in Serie A.

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DONE DEAL

Aleksandr Maksimenko makes a save from Rangers' Lassana Coulibaly
(Image: REUTERS)

Lassana Coulibaly has been farmed out again – this tine to Belgian basement side Cercle Brugge.

The French midfielder played 36 times last season on loan from Ligue 1 side Angers.

And they have punted him out again on another season-long deal.

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Saints in for Holt?

Rangers' Jason Holt was in good spirits ahead of the festive fixtures

St Johnstone want to sign Rangers midfielder Jason Holt on-loan, according a report.

The 26-year-old is surplus to requirements at Ibrox having spent last season on-loan at Fleetwood Town.

He’s been training away from Steven Gerrard’s main squad but could now find a route back to first-team football.

The Scottish Sun report Saints boss Tommy Wright is keen to land the former Hearts star on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

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DONE DEAL

Islam Slimani has joined Monaco from Leicester – but only on loan.

The striker was due to sign a permanent contract but the deal didn’t go through.

Now the Foxes’ record signing – he joined in 1016 for £29m – has moved to Monaco for the season.

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Lennon on Hendry's future

Jack Hendry
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Neil Lennon has confirmed talks have been held over a transfer for Jack Hendry.

Record Sport told on Monday how Kilmarnock and Motherwell are interested in signing the Celtic centre-back.

It’s been suggested Hendry, who has yet to make an appearance under Lennon, could be used in a potential Celtic move for Killie’s Greg Taylor.

But Lennon insists the top priority, for now, is getting the defender fit again.

He’s still not fit. There has been a few phone calls about it.

But there’s no movement on that just yet.

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Why the Kent deal is still a goer

(Image: Getty)

Reports emanating from down south claim Liverpool will not entertain any loan bid from Rangers – no matter the form of the deal.

Record Sport exclusively revealed last night that Rangers believe a compromise agreement can be struck which would see the winger return to Ibrox on an initial loan with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of this season.

And although Anfield sources are reported to be baulking at this option, there may well be a very good reason for this.

That is, Liverpool are hardly likely to let it be known Kent is available on a loan after all with a week and a half of the window still open throughout the majority of Europe.

Of course, the Champions League winners’ first preference is to sell.

But should they not get their own way as deadline draws ever closer, a loan agreement could still be struck.

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Lennon set for 'contract talks'

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Danny Lennon has joked he’s set to open contract talks... with himself.

The Clyde boss caused a social media stir on Monday night as he subbed himself on for a cameo appearance against Celtic Colts in the Glasgow Cup.

The Bully Wee ran out 3-1 winners, scoring while Lennon was on the pitch, and he refused to rule out further appearances on the pitch.

I still have the physicality and the health to grace the pitch. I felt that I handled it no problem. I look after myself.

I’m in the gym everyday - sometimes twice - and I think it’s just a bit of mind over matter.

I’d do it again if called upon but I’m hoping not as that would tell me I’m getting a good squad of healthy players back.

I’m actually going to go and look and negotiate a contract in the mirror with myself.

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DONE DEAL! Sturridge heads to Turkey

Daniel Sturridge netting for Liverpool last season
(Image: REUTERS)

Trabzonspor have signed Daniel Sturridge on a three-year deal.

The striker was a free agent after being released by Liverpool at the end of last season and will now take on a new challenge.

He’d been loosely linked with a move to Rangers this summer but Turkey has now been confirmed as his next destination.

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United haggling over Sanchez

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Manchester United are continuing to haggle over Alexis Sanchez’ wages as discussions over a loan move to Inter Milan rumble on.

The Serie A giants hope to discover whether a deal can be done by Thursday to take the Chilean back to Italy, where he previously spent time with Udinese.

According to The Telegraph, Inter’s offer includes an option to buy for around £14million at the end of this season.

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Juve and Barca set for swap?

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Juventus are in talks with Barcelona over a midfield swap deal.

A report in Spain claims the Serie A champions are looking to bring in Ivan Rakitic while sending Emre Can the other way.

Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici is believed to have been in Barcelona over the past two days for discussions.

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Lennon’s transfer update

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Neil Lennon has stated his ambition is still to bring in three to four players before the deadline.

The Celtic boss needs a left-back, right-back, left winger and a striker having made just three first-team signings so far.

With the window closing on September 2, Lennon and his recruitment department are up against it.

But he said: “We are working to bring in three or four players in before the window shuts.”

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DONE DEAL!

Fiorentina have completed the signing of Franck Ribery.

The French winger, 36, had been without a club since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

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McPake in Scotland U19 squad

Josh McPake has been handed his first call-up to Scotland U19 duty - as the Scots look to fend off Irish advances for the Dundee winger.

McPake - who on Tuesday sealed a loan move to Dens from Rangers - qualifies for Ireland through the grandparent rule and they want to pull him into their Under-21 set-up.

But now Billy Starks has named him in his 18-man squad to face Japan in a double header on September 5 and 9 as warm-ups to the European Qaulifiers that start in October.

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Afolabi bigs up Celtic

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New Celtic signing Jonathan Afolabi has spoken for the first time since joining the club.

The Republic of Ireland U19 striker joined from Southampton at the weekend – and he can’t wait to get going.

Celtic is just a stand-out team for me, and they have a great reputation of bringing youngsters from the academy through the ranks.

This is a great club, with a great history, and a great place for me to be a part of. I look forward to helping out in the seasons ahead.Celtic is just a stand-out team for me, and they have a great reputation of bringing youngsters from the academy through the ranks.

With such a talented pool of players, it’s going to take time and hard work to break in, to prove myself to the manager and the dressing room – but that’s something I would have to do anyway.

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Ribery touches down in Italy ahead of Fiorentina move

Franck Ribery is set to finalise his move to Fiorentina from Bayern Munich today.

The French veteran has touched down in Italy ahead of penning a deal and was mobbed as he spoke to Sky Italy.

I’m happy, I’m here with my family.

I’ve been talking with Fiorentina for the past week, I’ve also spoken to Luca Toni and he told me it is a great club and an amazing city. I like Florence, plus I already know Italian – it’s not perfect but it’s good.

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Real Betis go all Disney to confirm Moreno

This is brilliant.

Real Betis have announced the signing Alex Moreno from Rayo Vallecano with the best social media signing video since, well, Motherwell confirmed Peter Hartley.

The Spanish side have shelled out just under £7million for the left-back who arrives as a replacement for Junior Firpo, who joined Barcelona last month.

And they have gone all Disney with a top notch signing video on Twitter.

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Meling latest

Celtic's Tom Rogic and Rosenborg's Birger Meling battle for the ball
(Image: PA)

Norwegian outlets are reporting Birger Meling is likelier to leave Rosenborg after the Champions League playoff.

The Eliteserien side face Dinamo Zagreb tonight, with the second leg next week.

Celtic are believed to be interested in the 24-year-old left-back.

But it is being stated Rosenborg will not sell Meling until after those games.

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Celtic's familiar transfer conundrum

Larsson scores against Dunfermline

Celtic might think they’ve got it tough trying to find a suitable replacement for Scotland’s most expensive player Kieran Tierney after the left-back’s move to Arsenal.

But 15 years ago the Hoops were facing an even bigger headache - replacing Henrik Larsson.

Rivaldo, Marcio Amoroso, Dimitar Berbatov were among those linked. But it proved a serious struggle for Martin O’Neill.

Take a trip down memory lane with this excellent piece from Graeme Young: The time Celtic faced the ultimate transfer conundrum when replacing the irreplaceable Henrik Larsson

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Neymar hits back at haters

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old has been pining for a transfer away from his current club PSG all summer after growing itchy feet in the French capital and has not featured in either of the Ligue 1 giants’ opening two league matches.

Brazil superstar Neymar was subjected to abuse from his own fans in PSG’s 3-0 win over Nimes, with banners telling him to “get out”.

Which no doubt explains his latest social media post on Instagram. Quoting reggae legend Bob Marley it reads:

People are hated when they are real, and loved when they are fake.

Neymar has until September 2 to force through a move with Real Madrid also watching developments closely.

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Leverkusen want Lovren

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Bayer Leverkusen want Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren on a season-long loan.

Lovren appeared to be on the brink of joining Roma two weeks ago but the deal fell through with two clubs unable to reach agreement.

But now Leverkusen are hoping to land the Croatia international in a €3million loan deal before the European window shuts on September 2, according to German publication Bild.

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Meling agent breaks silence on Celtic target

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Birger Meling’s agent admits the Rosenborg star faces a dilemma over his future with Celtic weighing-up a bid.

But Bjorn Tore Kvarme knows it’s only a matter of time before his client moves on from the Norwegian club - and he reckons the 24-year-old will flourish in a stronger league.

Former Liverpool defender Kvarme has broken his silence on the 24-year-old’s situation.

Read more here: Birger Meling transfer latest as Celtic target’s agent breaks his silence

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Nordsjaelland make move for Gerrard's cousin

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Danish Superliga’s Nordsjaelland have made Liverpool an offer for talented young striker Bobby Duncan, the Daily Mail reports.

The 18-year-old was included in Reds manager Jurgen Klopp’s pre-season plans. But the Danish club have offered him regular football and are willing to pay his wages in full for the upcoming season.

Duncan, who is Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s cousin, scored 32 goals for the Liverpool academy last year following his arrival from Manchester City the season before.

He notched his first senior goal for the Reds in a pre-season friendly against Tranmere, prompting a congratulatory message from his big cousin.

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Rangers hopeful over Kent compromise

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Rangers are hopeful a compromise deal can be struck with Liverpool to grant Ryan Kent his wish of a return to Ibrox.

Record Sport exclusively revealed this morning that the 22-year-old was hoping to force through a return to Govan in a stunning late transfer window twist.

With three years left on his contract and Liverpool asking for £7million for the player it looked like Rangers were out of the reckoning.

But they hope a compromise can be struck which would see Kent return to the club.

Read more right here: The Ryan Kent transfer compromise Rangers hope will seal deal with Liverpool

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Riseth provides strong account of Celtic target Meling

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Former Celtic defender Vidar Riseth has given a glowing account of Hoops target Birger Meling - and revealed his surprise the Hoops have any chance of landing the left-back.

Neil Lennon has the Rosenborg star on a list of potential replacements for Kieran Tierney. And his fellow Norwegian has told the Evening Times how Meling would be a top signing for the Scottish champions.

What can I say, he is a very good player. He is a really offensive player, lightning quick. He overlaps all the time on the left wing and is good at crossing.

He can use both his left and his right foot equally well. He is really good defensively as well. His positional play is excellent.

He has been Rosenborg’s best player in the last two seasons. It isn’t just Celtic who are interested in Meling, many clubs are keeping an eye on him. He could end up at a top English or German club in future.

To be honest, I am surprised that Celtic have a chance to sign him.

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Levein won't close door on Lee

Olly Lee celebrates at the final whistle of the win over Inverness
(Image: Getty)

Craig Levein won’t close the door on Olly Lee if the midfielder fails in his bid to secure a move from Hearts.

Former Luton star Lee saw a move to Southend fall through but clubs in English League One and Two have until September 2 to conclude signings.

The player still has two years left on is Jambos deal though and Levein told the Evening News he is happy to utilise him if a move fails to transpire.

Olly’s agent was looking into a few things but the Southend thing hasn’t worked out. He is nearly fit after an injury so he just needs some game time. If he is going to be fit and available, then I will use him if I feel I need to.

It depends if somebody else comes in for him before the window closes. If that happens, then fine. If not, he will still be a squad player here. He still has a contract and he is a decent lad who I don’t have any issues with.

I understand why he wants to go back to England. It’s not a situation that is unfamiliar to me because I’ve been involved in quite a lot of these things in the past with other players.

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United still hopeful on Frear

Elliot Frear was a constant threat

Robbie Neilson admits Dundee United will have to trim their squad before they can sign Elliott Frear from Motherwell.

United have agreed a deal for the winger but will have to move on fringe players first because chairman Mark Ogren wants the books balanced.

We tried to get Elliott in earlier in the month and the way things worked out we just couldn’t quite do it. But we’re still hopeful of getting it done.

It’s like anything with transfers, they take time.

Neilson is also keen to get young stars such as Scott Banks, Louis Appere, Logan Chalmers, Jamie Robson, Ross Graham and Chris Mochrie tied down on long-term contracts.

Hopefully we get that done pretty soon because there’s a few of them who have done well.

This place is about getting promoted but also about trying to bring some of the younger ones through the ranks.

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Wanyama in Bruges?

(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))

Former Celtic star Victor Wanyama, 28, could be jumping across the Channel after West Ham failed to sign him before the closure of the English transfer window.

Belgian side Bruges are considering securing the £18million-rated Kenya international before the European window shuts on September 2, the Daily Express says.

Wanyama, who still has two years left on his £65,000-a week-contract at Tottenham, wants a move, but his high wages could prove a problem.

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EXCLUSIVE: Kent wants to force through Rangers move

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There’s the sight all Rangers fans want to see - Ryan Kent back in a Light Blues shirt this season.

Now they have been given renewed hope in their pursuit of the 22-year-old Liverpool star.

Record Sport can exclusively reveal that Kent hopes to force through a return to Rangers despite the proposed move being blocked by Jurgen Klopp.

We understand the winger is set to dig in his heels and plead to be allowed to leave Liverpool on another season-long loan as the clock ticks down to the end of the transfer window in less than two weeks’ time.

Read our exclusive right here: Ryan Kent to push through Rangers transfer and could even down tools at Liverpool to make it happen

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Fenerbahce 'close in' on Rojo

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The Manchester Evening News, citing Turkish media outlet A Spor, says Fenerbahce are interested in signing 29-year-old Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo.

A Spor says the Turkish Super Lig team are “closing in” on a loan deal for the Argentina international, who was blocked from moving to Everton because the Toffees are an outside bet to finish above the Red Devils in the Premier League.

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