With the winter break well underway, Scottish Premiership teams have been lining up potential transfers to help their squads ahead of the remainder of the season.
Arguably the biggest deal of the window so far is Rangers aquisition of former England international Jermain Defoe on loan from English side Bournemouth. The 36 year old talisman has fallen out of favour at his parent club but could make all the difference if Rangers want to mount a serious title challenge.
Elsewhere, Neill Lennon has been successful in his persuit of former Dundee United star Ryan Gauld on loan from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The young attacking midfielder made the switch from United in 2014 for a romoured fee of around £3 million. Since then Gauld has failed to make an impact for Sporting spending much of his time on loan in lower Portuguese divisions. Lennon will be hoping that the midfielder can regain some form and help Hibernian bid for a top six finish.
League leaders Celtic have also added to their side, taking Scotland international Oliver Burke on loan. The winger has spent time in Germany before making the move to English side West Bromwich Albion. The wingers strength and pace has seen him compared to Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale and could be a key player as Celtic aim to retain the title.
Former Rangers and St Johnstone winger Michael O’Halloran could be a potential target for many Premiership sides following an unsuccessful spell in Australia. The winger’s fast pace and finishing ability will have many sides on high alert including former side St Johnstone, where he enjoyed his best form.
With the league as close as it’s been for a while, this window could prove crucial in the end position for many sides this season.
Scottish Football Review 