SPFL Winter Scouting Report - Who wants who in January

As with every transfer window on this site comes a detailed look at what teams need, who might go and who might come in over the course of the January transfer window. With teams at both ends of the table needing to spend and having the money to spend, it promises to be exciting as sides beef up their squads in the race for second and as Dundee United try to replace an entire squad in an attempt to avoid the drop. In ascending order, then…

Championship

Hibs

What do they need?

A side capable of beating Rangers to the title and avoiding the potential bottle job a playoff would entail. In short, they need promotion at the earliest opportunity. They have the best midfield in the league, the deepest striking ranks in the league and have done little wrong so far.

Who could go?

The focal point of interest so far has been manager Alan Stubbs who, 1 ½ years into the job and a pair of semi finals in cups under his belt, has reportedly drawn a few eyes in his direction. His job at Hibs is far from done and it’s hard to see Stubbs as the sort of person who would walk out on a Hibs side he has been allowed to create and a Hibs board who have been uncharacteristically patient given the time it took him to settle into the job.

On the playing staff, Jason Cummings has been linked with a move to the English Championship but it is hard to see how the board could get away with selling him in addition to Scott Allan in the same season plus playing week in week out against Scottish Championship opposition does not a proven striker make and at least one season in the Premiership is needed to see whether he does have the quality to move up in the world.

Who could come in?

The difficulty with assessing Hibs is that they genuinely haven’t done anything wrong. They sit second behind a Rangers side who have been near perfect in terms of their league record this season and there is no shame in that. Hibs, more than anything, need to keep the side together and keep faith with what they’re doing as Rangers can’t win every game and they need simply to be close enough to take advantage when they do slip up. There is no need to strengthen, little to gain by doing so and little available with which to do it.

Rangers

What do they need?

Bodies to replace loanees, fewer rumours about the manager disappearing, an end to a cohort of court cases, promotion at all costs and about £5m to get them to the end of the season. Not much then.

Who could go?

Potentially anyone. Rangers give off mixed messages at the best of times - giving Kenny Miller a new contract would suggest they have cash to waste, coming out and saying youth will become more prominent would suggest the opposite. There is bound to be some outgoings, however - David Templeton and Nicky Clark both now look very much surplus to requirements in a Rangers attack that has a lot of depth. In terms of first team regulars, the only one who may go anywhere is Lee Wallace - he is more than capable of moving back to the Premiership or to England, he is on a decent wage and, while there isn’t a direct replacement at the club, he’s the most likely to have suitors and the most likely to attract a fairly decent fee.

The future of Mark Warburton is seemingly discussed almost daily and that it should be both discussed openly with such regularity and also on the BBC rather than just gutter rags would suggest there is at least some actual basis to it. While him going to the EPL is surely fanciful, as a proven English Championship manager, he is going to have suitors and, at some point, one will come forward with an offer that will turn his head. Reports that Warburton was given a pay rise and more money to spend in January as a result suggest that his head may already be turning. If the right job comes along, Warburton could go and if Warburton goes, Rangers can only go downwards

Who could come in?

Mark Warburton likes bringing in players young and cheap and, to fend off Hibs, further reinforcement would be required in January as few would deny that performances (albeit, not yet results) have slipped a little as the season has progressed. Defensively, they are short in numbers and up front, only Martyn Waghorn has scored in great volume - an injury in the wrong position could derail things. While the striking ranks are deep, a couple of defenders would be very welcome - likely, Warburton will be scouring youth ranks for them as you read this. Any incomings would have to be cheap though.

Dundee United

What do they need?

A miracle.

On a more serious note, Mixu Paatelainen has tried to get the side who Jackie McNamara 4-2-3-1’d to death to play a coherent formation (3-4-2-1) that actually suits the players at the club but still experiences a whole bunch of issues - weak in terms of goalkeeping after the barely adequate Luis Zwick was shunted aside for “Cierzniak without the occasional unbeatable days” Szromnik, weak in central defence due to having to play a hopelessly out of his depth Mark Durnan every game, lacking width by having to play wing-backs but not really having much in the way of attacking minded full backs to push up, not having quality in the holding midfield ranks to protect that out of it’s depth defence and only having one player in the entire side capable of scoring goals - and even he is managing to look bereft of confidence.

United’s advantage is that they have money to spend from the various player sales they have made over the past couple of years. The disadvantage is that there may not be much in the way of willingness to actually spend that money, particularly if the side are cut adrift at the bottom.

Who could go?

With performances getting slightly better but results not following so far, Mixu Paatelainen knows he has to deliver in January. If United are still adrift come the end of the winter transfer window, then Mixu may be jettisoned too and the club may go to it’s third manager of the season - there is already a little pressure building there.

Amongst the playing staff, it’s simply a case of getting rid of as much deadwood as possible. It’s hard to imagine a situation where Darko Bodul is still at the club at the end of January and that Robbie Muirhead is due to come back from his loan at Partick Thistle is a definite improvement (why McNamara sent him there in the first place is beyond anyone). In spite of the club’s woeful defensive record, John Souttar is linked with Celtic, although that’s as likely trolling as it is reality. Were United to get relegated, the cutting of cloth that would follow would see a lot of good young talents leave on the cheap and most clubs will keep their powder dry in anticipation of the sale of the century in the summer.

Who could come in?

The move for goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima has dragged on for such a ridiculous length of time, it’s becoming a running joke. Kawashima likely missed the conception of his child, never mind the birth of it, in trying to get the move pushed through, which it looks like may have actually happened.

The return of the immobile maestro, Alexei Eremenko, to Scottish football is also rumoured and that would certainly improve the supply to Billy McKay, albeit also meaning that the side would be carrying a player every game. Paatelainen has also taken a look at Mikael Forssell and it’s easy to see that Mixu sees his experience with the Finnish national side as a way with which to recruit players.

But what United really need are competent defenders and proper wing-backs (which Ryan McGowan and Paul Dixon aren’t). Going off the Finnish links and those need points (along with the appearance being given off that there isn’t money to spend and that it’s being horded in case the club does go down), then the only player that would jump out would be Tapio Heikkila of HJK Helsinki who is out of contract and at a decent club (given that the majority of Finnish clubs are, well, awful). The other, slightly more left field option, would be Erfan Zeneli, also of HJK, also out of contract - Paatelainen gave him his debut for Finland and, while he’s a winger and, as such, not a must have, with bringing Eremenko to Killie in the first place, Mixu has shown that he has the contacts and the sway to bring in players who would ordinarily be far too good for the club in - Zeneli would certainly qualify as that.

Motherwell

What do they need?

Balance and consistency. 5 first team strikers, 2 inconsistent wingers, 3 proven goalkeepers yet zero competent central defenders and only one central midfielder doing much of anything.

Who could go?

Motherwell could get rid of David Clarkson and Theo Robinson and few would notice as long as Craig Moore came back from his loan at Ayr. Connor Ripley is on loan till January in goals but with Craig Samson and Dan Twardzik as the back up, were that not to be extended, it wouldn’t be much of a loss.

Who could come in?

When push comes to shove, if Motherwell were able to bring in one good central defender and one good central midfielder, they would move quickly up the table because of the talent at the club. Given Well’s powers of persuasion of bringing players back to Scotland who had seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth, Tom Hateley would surely be worth a punt as a potential signing given that his contract with Slask Wroclaw is up in the summer.

But, given the financial straits at the club and the fluid ownership situation, any moves are likely to be loans only, which would mean scrabbling around English development squads for the next Louis Laing. Well fans should shudder at that prospect.

Kilmarnock

What do they need?

A defence would be a start, but consistency, someone to take the burden off Josh Magennis and a new contract for Greg Kiltie would probably do just fine.

Who could go?

Greg Kiltie’s contract bizarrely ends mid-season and no indication has been given yet that the club’s best prospect is going to be signing on the dotted line any time soon. Rumours of interest from English Championship clubs are wide of the mark, but a League One move isn’t out of the question nor would be a move to a larger club in the league who could pay more such as Aberdeen or Dundee United. Kiltie isn’t a massive loss in the short term, however as Josh Magennis can be pushed out wide and can be effective. Other contracts are up in the summer, most notably Craig Slater, but Kiltie should be the only departure in winter.

Who could come in?

While replacing Kiltie would be preferable, the unstoppable force and immovable object partnership up front of Kris Boyd and Josh Magennis can be productive if Boyd hits the sort of form that some think may be behind him. Gary Locke was backed by the board in Summer in a big way and it’s unlikely that the funding is there to support another splurge - which will be why they have Kiltie doing one mid season in the first place.

Partick Thistle

What do they need?

An attacking option that takes some of the burden from Kris Doolan, as Matthias Pogba clearly isn’t it. Keeping Robbie Muirhead would be nice as well.

Who could go?

Liam Lindsay has been looked over by a few clubs after making the breakthrough to the first team but any interest is likely to materialise in summer rather than now.

Who could come in?

Thistle are run on about the smallest budget in the entire division. While financially secure, any moves made will be solely on the loan market. Serial loanee Lyle Taylor won’t be coming as he has settled well at AFC Wimbledon but that will be the sort of player they will be after.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

What do they need?

Miles Storey to stay till the end of the season and Celtic to let Ryan Christie do the same. On at least one front, they are likely to be frustrated.

Who could go?

Miles Storey and Ryan Christie are both on loan till January. While Storey has made noises about staying, Celtic are likely going to want Christie at the club to settle into the side before Europe next season. Keeping Storey is of highest priority given he has scored 7 of the 17 league goals Caley have this season.

Who could come in?

Entirely dependent upon who goes. Lose both Storey and Christie and then Caley have to move for players and quickly. The aforementioned Greg Kiltie would be the sort of player who would fit perfectly (if Caley could meet his apparently extravagant demands) and unearthing another striking gem like John Hughes has done with Miles Storey and Edward Ofere would be good.

Dundee

What do they need?

Central midfielder to replace the regularly injured Kevin Thomson. Up front is sorted as the much vaunted trio of Stewart, Loy and Hemmings has scored 17 goals in 17 games even with Loy having had time out injured. Ignoring the spanking received from Celtic, the defence is pretty solid also.

Who could go?

The Greg Stewart hype train has died down a little, owing to a loss of form as the season has progressed and also the workload being shared more evenly throughout the attacking line compared to last year. Stewart has been linked to Rangers but Dundee will want £750k or more for him so he is likely to be above what Rangers’ wallet can pay for considering Mike Ashley will probably want some money back first.

It leaves Scott Bain as the main desirable player in the side but Goalkeepers don’t really move mid-season for fairly obvious reasons. Nor is there much in the way of deadwood to clear considering Simon Ferry, Luka Tankulic and Phil Roberts have already been sent packing.

Who could come in?

Paul Hartley likes recruiting from the lower leagues and it’s important to note that almost half of the side were recruited based on lower league form alone (Bain, Stewart, Loy, Hemmings, Julen), so the key focus may well be on recruitment from good performers at lower Championship sides such as Myles Hippolyte or even Stephen Mallan. Keeping Kevin Thomson fit would help more in the short term but to be assured of a top six spot, they need a replacement.

Ross County

What do they need?

A goalkeeper and a clone of Andrew Davies would be nice.

Who could go?

Eyes have been cast over Liam Boyce but, realistically, the squad is pretty settled as it is and clearly capable of the Top Six aspiration they have been set.



Who could come in?

County have deep pockets (or, at least, an owner unafraid to wave his chequebook around), but there is little need to improve. That said, no club have as deserved a reputation for wheeling and dealing as Ross County and, were they to bring in 5 total unknowns (and Filip Kiss), it’d be no surprise.

Hamilton Accies

What do they need?

Michael McGovern to sign a new contract

Who could go?

Ali Crawford is quite clearly destined for bigger places than Hamilton but doesn’t seem to have been linked to anywhere yet. Given his ability with both feet and his shooting prowess, it can’t be long before England comes calling, especially given Hamilton’s good reputation for producing players. Michael McGovern’s contract is up in the summer and while a January move doesn’t seem imminent, he is keeping his options open for now and there is certainly a club in the Premiership who he would seem perfectly suited for.

Who could come in?

Much like Partick Thistle, Accies’ budget does not stretch to much in the way of business in January. Were anyone to come, it would likely be from a loan donated to them by Alex Neil.

St Johnstone

What do they need?

Depth but little else.

Who could go?

Michael O’Halloran has been linked to Celtic and to some English sides but it’s difficult to see why a move would transpire in January rather than the summer - there are questions as to just whether this is a burst of early season form or actual long term progression plus, at least in terms of Celtic, it’s hard to see where he would actually fit into another side. There is no financial pressure to sell and the club are getting their best performers (Graham Cummings and, most importantly, Tommy Wright) signed up to new contracts so there is a clear plan for future success - perhaps even this season in the League Cup or by getting third place.

Who could come in?

Key to St Johnstone’s success has been succession planning and they have consistently been able to lose one key player a season and replace them with a player who has slotted straight in and been effective. As such, one only has to look at two succession plans with them and that is of Dave Mackay and Steven Maclean - the only two over-30s to have played more than 10 league games each so far this season - and both of their successors are already at the club (Chris Kane and Joe Shaughnessy). As such, the only moves may be an extra body in defence and a player to be part of the Michael O’Halloran succession plan - rumours that any move for O’Halloran to Celtic in January would include Anthony Stokes going on loan have been spoken in hushed words so far but would suit everyone involved.

Hearts

What do they need?

Goalkeeper. Every other position is pretty much sorted.

Who could go?

Hearts have no need to sell, so any offer would have to be big and be of little detriment to the side overall. Realistically, that leaves a three man potential departure list of Callum Paterson (who could go because he is worth that big money), Sam Nicholson (who was linked in Summer but wanted Premiership experience) and Osman Sow (whose contract is up in summer). Paterson’s asking price is unlikely to be met, Nicholson is likely to want to stay for the time being which leaves Sow. Sow is undoubtedly an important first team player but he isn’t irreplaceable and if money was on the table in January, Hearts would take it then rather than waiting to lose him for nothing in Summer.

Who could come in?

Neil Alexander is starting to show his age and while most people would tell you that Jack Hamilton will take over eventually, they’ll also tell you that he isn’t ready quite yet. It leaves Hearts with a bit of a quandary as they will need to upgrade that one position if they want to confirm themselves in third, never mind have their eyes on second. Further complicating matters is the commitment to redeveloping and expanding the main stand at Tynecastle, which reduces the money available to spend. In short, they need a good goalkeeper who isn’t so young as to force Hamilton out of the club but who is available relatively cheaply. Fitting all of those criteria would be Michael McGovern of Hamilton who would be more than worth the fairly minimal outlay and who would be interested in moving to Hearts who would give him European football and a higher profile to keep his International spot.

Aberdeen

What do they need?

A right back to replace wantaway Shay Logan and a central midfielder.

Who could go?

Shay Logan has been making noises about moving away all season. His contract is up in the summer but, more importantly, his form has slipped from last season. He wants to move back to England for family reasons and, should an offer come in in January, the club aren’t likely to stand in his way. David Goodwillie’s contract is up in the summer, but he has done enough to earn an extension considering Aberdeen’s striking ranks aren’t the deepest.

Who could come in?

Derek McInnes’ plan seems to be to buy in domestically where he can and he has the money to do so. That policy might not work for finding a right back, unless they were to take a chance on Ziggy Gordon who is probably just about good enough to mean they don’t miss Logan (but it’s a risk). Central midfield, however, is a different story.

Aberdeen’s midfield is fine but I (and I know that not everyone agrees with me here) would say that Willo Flood just isn’t at the level that a side with real aspirations of challenging Celtic need a key central midfielder to be at. Yes, he has played more often than normal due to injury to Ryan Jack, but a beefed up Aberdeen midfield that allows Shinnie to play at left back all the time would surely be a much better proposition than a central triangle of Jack-Shinnie/Flood-McLean as it is really only missing one cog and it’s the middle one. Given that Barry Robson is more or less done and that Flood needs moving out gradually, Aberdeen ideally need two good central midfielders. Ali Crawford to Aberdeen looks on paper to be an obvious move and a match made in heaven - a Jack-Crawford-McLean central midfield triangle is the sort of midfield most Scottish football fans would cream over. The other potential pick would be Stuart Bannigan from Partick Thistle who is a more natural replacement for the combative Flood but is less of a no-brainer and too similar to Ryan Jack.

Finally, up front Aberdeen are definitely losing Josh Parker from his loan deal, not that it’s an especially big miss. Another loan is more likely as while Parker offered something different, he didn’t offer much of it and bringing in a similarly busy but more useful striker would be a target for Derek McInnes.

Celtic

What do they need?

You name it, they could probably do with it.

Who could go?

Anthony Stokes’ future at the club is non-existent given that he has publicly fallen out with Ronny Deila and that he is behind even Nadir Ciftci in the striking ranks (Nadir by name, Nadir by nature…) - Celtic will look to ditch him ASAP. The rumours of Nir Bitton moving to England for £10m are rampant (fuelled by his agent) and, were a bid like that to come in for him, Celtic would bite the buyer’s hand off given the lost income from Europe and the fact that Bitton isn’t a £10m player.

Who could come in?

Celtic’s defence is, bluntly, a disaster. While Jozo Simunovic looks solid and Kieran Tierney is very exciting, the rest aren’t. Enough to win the SPFL? Yes. Enough to not get repeatedly embarrassed in Europe? Definitely not.

As such, the Dedryck Boyata experiment (at least) should be ended. It won’t be but the probability that Celtic will pick up John Souttar from Dundee United is an interesting one as it would give them a proper holding midfielder and offer something a little different from Scott Brown and Nir Bitton.

Speaking of Scott Brown, the necessity to replace him is growing ever more vital, but the fact is that Celtic have kicked the problem along the way multiple times in the past and there is little reason to suspect they won’t again.

Most linked are strikers. Leigh Griffiths is apparently on the brink of a new contract but with the Nadir Ciftci gamble having failed totally, Carlton Cole being only a stop gap and Anthony Stokes being hurriedly ushered out the door, there is room for another striker at the club. Lennart Thy of St Pauli has been linked but has an unimpressive scoring record and it may well just be more the case that Celtic fans like rumours of St Pauli players as they see the club as a kindred spirit. Ronny Deila has personally run the rule over Libor Kozak of Aston Villa but, given that he hasn’t played a senior game for nearly two years due to injury and his scoring record wasn’t impressive in the first place, one can only really hope that nothing comes to fruition as the last thing Celtic need is another impotent striker.

Kevin GroBkreutz has been linked but that’s just insanity given he’s on around £40k a week at Galatasaray once his registration issues are sorted.

An outside shout might be another raid to Dinamo Zagreb, from where Simunovic came, for colleague Armin Hodzic - a prolific, 21 year old Bosnian soon to be international who was formerly at Liverpool where he was poorly treated in terms of development but is fulfilling his large potential now after growing through the system at Zejeznicar and scoring 9 in 12 in a higher standard of league so far this year plus, crucially, goals in the Champions League.