Scottish Gossip: Johnston, Patterson, Souttar, Baur, Bajrami, Saracchi

Everton are linked with interest in Celtic’s Alistair Johnston with Nathan Patterson tipped to exit, while Nadim Bajrami reportedly nears an exit from Rangers.

Everton, whose Scotland right-back, Nathan Patterson, is drawing strong interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain, are preparing to firm up their interest in Celtic 27-year-old Alistair Johnston. (The Herald, external)

Mika Baur has informed Paderborn of his desire to join Celtic this summer after the 22-year-old midfielder agreed personal terms with the Scottish champions. (George Tsarouchas on X, external)

Mika Baur missed Paderborn’s friendly with Southampon on Wednesday, but the German club’s claim that the Celtic target was ill is not accurate. (Mark Hendry on X, external)

Marcelo Saracchi is poised to clinch a move to Houston Dynamo after the 28-year-old left-back’s loan from Boca Juniors to Celtic. (Daily Record, external)

Out-of-favour 26-year-old Atalanta wing-back Mitchel Bakker, who had been linked with Celtic, is close to joining Marseille, according to reports in France. (Daily Record, external)

Nedim Bajrami is expected to leave Rangers in the coming days, with a return to Italian football emerging as the most likely destination for the 27-year-old Albania winger. (Inside Ibrox, external)

Leicester City and Swansea City are leading the race to sign John Souttar, with the 29-year-old Scotland centre-half certain to end his four years with Rangers. (Rangers Review, external)

Rangers and Cardiff City face serious competition for Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, with Hull City now very interested in the 20-year-old. (Rune Robertsen on X, external)