Celtic trio free to play cup final after Fifa rule change - gossip

A delayed deadline day for players to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations has implications for Celtic and Rangers, while Dundee United could lose a January transfer target to Olympiakos.

A rule change by world governing body Fifa means Sebastian Tounekti of Tunisia, Michel-Ange Balikwisha from DR Congo and Kelechi Iheanacho from Nigeria will be available for Celtic's Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren before being released to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations. (Glasgow Times)

It remains to be seen whether Rangers will have Mohamed Diomande and Nasser Djiga available for their Scottish Premiership game against Hibernian, which takes place on the new deadline day for releasing players taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Record)

Strasbourg striker and captain Emmanuel Emegha, who recently signed a pre-contract agreement to join Chelsea, has been disciplined and left out of their squad for their weekend game with Toulouse, but the 22-year-old is currently due to the available for their Conference League game against Aberdeen. (The Scotsman)

Olympiakos have been linked with a move for Dundee United target Galymazhan Kenzhebek, the Kazakhstan winger who is out of contract with Yelimay Semey at the end of the year, and the Greek league leaders would be able to outbid the Tannadice club should they pursue their interest. (Daily Record)

Real Betis are showing interest in Hamza Igamane only four months after the Morocco forward was sold to Lille by Rangers, but the 23-year-old's value has soared since his £9.6m exit from Ibrox. (Fichajes)

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Dunfermline Athletic head coach Neil Lennon says the Scottish Championship club are determined to strengthen their striking options in January as he fears the possible recall by Falkirk of on-loan Barney Stewart because of an injury to Ross MacIver. (The Courier)

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari will not change his January transfer window plans in reaction to the Championship leaders' recent dip in form. (The Courier)

A long-awaited decision on Dundee's proposed new stadium at Camperdown will not be made this year after the city council's last committee meeting of 2025 was cancelled with no items of business on the agenda. (The Courier)

Inverness Caledonian Thistle owner Alan Savage has had planning permission granted for improvements to Caledonian Stadium and says the League 1 club will treat their current home like they are not moving despite searching for a new location. (Press & Journal)

St Johnstone owner Adam Webb says concern for club finances and the risk of insolvency have been the same at the Championship leaders for more than a century. (Press & Journal)