SPFL transfer notebook as Dundee look to life after Owen Beck and Scott Fraser pines for home - Scott Burns
Our man has ran the rule over what he has been hearing on the rumour mill with January whispers intensifying.
The transfer rumours have been picking up pace and clubs across the SPFL are looking to seal January deals for this season's second half.
Nicolas Kuhn is in the door at Celtic and Brendan Rodgers has designs on getting a striker through the door, albeit that could be via the loan market this window. Philippe Clement has also expressed some Rangers insight as Ibrox staffers work around the clock to try and seal new recruits for the Belgian, but so far only Fabio Silva has arrived on loan from Wolves,
Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs could all be busy too but Record Sport's resident transfer expert Scott Burns takes you inside the biggest rumours and around the leagues. It's not just Premiership clubs making moves, as plenty throughout the pyramid look to get fresh faces in. Here's the latest on what our man has been hearing on the Scottish football rumour mill.
Dens latest
Curtis Main adds to Dundee’s attacking options that also include Zach Robinson, Amadou Bakayoko, Zak Rudden and Mexican Diego Pineda. The Dark Blues are still in the market and could take Michael Mellon on-loan from Burnley. He has returned to the Clarets after a successful loan at Morecambe. Burnley will put him back out on-loan as soon as the Scotland under-21 cap pens a new contract at Turf Moor.
The striker has dozens of options north and south of the border but if he does come to Scotland then it will be to Dundee. Burnley are looking to cement a tie-up with the Dark Blues. Winger Dara Costelloe has already been sent to Dens for the second half of the season. Docherty is also still looking to bring in a couple of defenders with a left-back a priority, after Owen Beck’s return to Liverpool, while a central defender is also on the radar.
Fraser is homeward bound
Scott Fraser has opened the door on a return to Scottish football. The Charlton Athletic midfielder is keen to return north for family reasons. The 28-year-old is open to a loan or a permanent move. Fraser has knocked back other English moves already in this window because he has his heart set on a return to his homeland. English League One side Charlton are likely to facilitate any move as long the financial side is right.
The former Dundee United player has been in England since 2018 and wants to bring his young family closer to home. A host of Scottish Premiership clubs are interested in the playmaker. Fraser has had successful spells down south at Burton Albion, Ipswich Town and MK Dons. He moved to Charlton in 2022.
Duffy's League Two options
Peterhead and Clyde are both interested in a loan move for Flynn Duffy. The 20-year-old has previously had loan experience with the Blue Toon. Peterhead are keen to take the left-back north again but also face competition from Ian McCall's side for the Dundee United youngster. Duffy spent part of last season on-loan at Stirling Albion.
Kelty get down to business
There's been a heap of Kelty movement. They are about to sign Brody Paterson, with the League One side finalising a loan deal with Hartlepool for the second half of the season. Kelty boss Michael Tidser has moved for the 22-year-old after selling James Walker to Dundalk. Paterson had a spell on loan at Cove Rangers last season. The former Celtic youngster has also had previous loan spells at Airdrie and Queen's Park. East Kilbride want to buy Kelty Hearts striker Tiwi Daramola.
The Lowland League leaders are keen to land the 22-year-old attacker. Daramola was signed from Bo'ness Athletic last season but only arrived at Kelty in the summer. He has been a regular for Michael Tidser's side and has now caught the eye of East Kilbride. EK are pushing to win their league and then the play-off which could open the door to the senior ranks. Kelty have just sold left-back James Walker to Irish side Dundalk.
Wales recall stings Wasps
Alloa Athletic are facing a Scottish Cup blow with Kilmarnock set to recall Bobby Wales. Killie boss Derek McInnes is ready to take his Scotland under-18 striker back to Rugby Park. Wales has been a standout for the Wasps and McInnes is ready to take him back.
It is likely to happen before Alloa take on Premiership Motherwell this weekend. Wales looks set to be involved in the Kilmarnock squad for their Scottish Cup clash with Dundee. There is also growing Championship interest in the 18-year-old. Killie could even put Wales out on another loan for the second half of the season. Wales is highly-rated at Killie and signed a long-term contract before he was sent out to Alloa.
Jags consider loan options
Partick Thistle are considering loan moves for James Lyon. The midfielder is attracting interest from League One sides. Kris Doolan is expected to let the 20-year-old go out to get more game time. Lyon has previously had a successful loan at Stenhousemuir. Thistle see him as one for the future and expect him to push for a regular first-team berth next season.