Goalkeeper Jon McCracken returns to Dundee on loan

Dundee completed the Premier League’s first transfer deadline day cinch by loaning Norwich goalkeeper Jon McCracken to Dens Park.

McCracken made four appearances for Dundee at the start of the season but lost his place when Trevor Carson joined from St Mirren and both parties agreed to end the loan deal in August.

The 23-year-old went on to join Accrington on an emergency loan and played 13 times and now can’t play for anyone other than Dundee this season.

With Carson missing a number of games recently through injury, manager Tony Docherty told his club’s website: “It’s important for me to compete everywhere for the latter part of the season and I want that with our Bringing in goalkeeper and Jon. level of real competition.”

Celtic are set to complete the loan signing of Norwich striker Adam Idah after the 22-year-old arrived in Glasgow on Wednesday.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored 17 goals since graduating from the Canaries’ academy, with seven of those coming this season.

A number of players could be on their way out of Celtic Park with David Turnbull and Mikey Johnston expected to join Cardiff and West Brom respectively, while James Forrest has been linked with an exit.

Gustaf Lagerbielke’s proposed loan move to Italian side Lecce could be scuppered amid reports of further injury concerns to fellow centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Rangers could have big news amid reports from Italy that Hellas Verona are ready to launch a bid to sign striker Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers are expected to complete the signing of 20-year-old Colombian winger Oscar Cortes on loan from Lens with an option to buy after his move to Glasgow.

However, the Light Blues appear to have hit a snag in their bid to land Brazilian full-back Jefte from Fluminense. They had hoped to recruit the 20-year-old immediately, but he is currently on loan at APOEL Nicosia and the Cypriot club are reportedly intent on keeping him until the end of the campaign.

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Livingston have signed midfielder David Carson from Inverness on an 18-month deal.

The 28-year-old made more than 160 appearances for Caley Thistle after joining from Morpeth Town in 2019.

Livi manager David Martindale, who is also hoping to sign a goalkeeper, said: “He can play in a number of positions but, for me, he’s best in a defensive midfield role. He has a great drive and desire to work hard for the team and I’m sure he will quickly become one of the fans.”

Motherwell are still looking for at least one more addition after signing 22-year-old Jack Vale on loan from Blackburn on Wednesday, and assistant manager Stephen Frail has given fresh hope to fans that there might be a loan return for Groningen striker Kevin van Veen.

“I’m not sure there’s anything out in the water,” Frail said Thursday morning.

“That could be one of those last minute things. There will be one or two people that the manager and the recruitment team want to bring in.”

Aberdeen have reportedly had a bid rejected in an attempt to re-sign Mattie Pollock on loan from Watford, a day after Barry Robson was sacked as manager.

Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, but the Jambos head into the final day of the window without any significant approaches being made for their top scorer.

The Edinburgh club signed Scott Fraser on Wednesday, but they look unlikely to land Yan Dhanda before deadline day after the Ross County player agreed a pre-contract to move to Tynecastle in the summer.

Staggies manager Derek Adams said on Tuesday that he expects the 25-year-old to stay at Dingwall for the rest of the season, with the hope of adding at least one or two new players.

St Johnstone are said to be hoping to land 25-year-old striker Adama Sidibeh from English non-league side Warrington Rylands.

Hibernian are another club in the market for a central defender and Kilmarnock and St Mirren have been linked with a loan move for Van Veen.

Killie manager Derek McInnes said on Wednesday “we might look to add one if we can”.

Outside the top flight, Scottish League side Albion Rovers have sold striker Joe Bevan to Premier League side Burnley for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old scored 15 goals for Rovers, including nine in League Two, after joining from Camelon 12 months ago.