Scottish Football Transfer News: Rangers in signing setback, Celtic outcast wanted, Hearts' £10k-a-week stumbling block, Ibrox star one-time Liverpool target

There is now just a few days until the Premier Sports Cup kicks off and brings with it the first competitive football of the 2022/23 season.

Seven of the 12 Premiership sides are in action, including Aberdeen who participate in the group stage of the competition for the first time since the new format was introduced.

There will still be plenty of transfer work going on in the background with work at various clubs still required.

Here is all the latest transfer news and speculation from around the SPFL:

Ellis Simms is likely going to be too expensive for Hearts. Everton are looking to sell rather than loan the striker this summer and his wages could be a stumbling block for the Tynecastle Park side. Simms is reported to be on £10,000-a-week with a number of English Championship sides,including Millwall, keen on the forward. Rangers have been linked but there is reportedly no interest from the Ibrox side. (Scottish Sun)

Rangers may have to be very patient in their pursuit of Antonio Colak. The German-born Croatian international is a key target for the Europa League finalists. However, PAOK are waiting until they bring in a replacement. That could be complicated by an injury to fellow forward Nelson Oliveira. PAOK face Levski Sofia in the Conference League qualifiers later this month and will be even more reluctant to sell. (FOS)

Boli Bolingoli is one of a number of Celtic players who are unlikely to have a future under Ange Postecoglou at the club. The left-back hasn’t played since October, featuring just twice all season with a loan move to Russia in January not working out due to the invasion of Ukraine. Now, English Championship side Reading could be an option with the Royals reported to be keeping tabs on the player.