Scotland Men's Football Team

If Brighton & Hove Albion secure the signing of Matt O'Riley from Celtic, Napoli are ready to proceed with the capture of 23-year-old Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour from the Premier League club. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Fulham have conceded defeat in their attempt to sign 27-year-old Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay from Manchester United and have instead agreed a deal for Sander Berge from Burnley for £20m plus £5m in bonuses, with the Norwegian due for a medical on Tuesday. (The Athletic), external

Manchester United will only consider a summer exit for Scott McTominay if the Scotland midfielder, who has attracted plenty of interest but for whom there have been no formal bids, makes it clear to the club he wants to leave Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

Scott McTominay has decided he does not want to head to Turkey this summer, which rules both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce out of the running to sign the Manchester United and Scotland midfielder. (TeamTalk), external

Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet is wanted by Aberdeen, who want to see if a potential loan deal can be agreed with the 27-year-old having fallen down the pecking order with Millwall. (Daily Record), external

Sturm Graz sports director Andreas Schicker has insisted they want to keep Scotland Under-21 right-back Max Johnston despite the 20-year-old being linked with either a loan or permanent move to Oxford United, Stoke City and Swansea City. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Napoli retain an interest in Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, but any deal for the 27-year-old Scotland international would hinge on potential outgoings at the Serie A club first. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has told Napoli head coach Antonio Conte that he would like to make the move to the Serie A club this summer. (La Repubblica via TeamTalk), external

Manchester United will only allow Scott McTominay to leave on loan with an obligation to buy clause and Napoli are not willing to go down that path. (Tuttomercato), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Manchester United will only allow Scott McTominay to leave on loan to Napoli if there is an obligation to buy, but fellow Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour's move from Brighton & Hove Albion should be concluded next week. (Ciro Venarato via Tuttonapoli), external

As it stands, Scott McTominay will remain with Manchester United despite speculation about the Scotland midfielder's future at Old Trafford. (Sky Sports), external

Atalanta and Espanyol are among clubs who have made approaches for Scottish midfielder Andy Irving, who spent last season on loan to Austria Klagenfurt, and there is interest from clubs in Britain and the German Bundesliga as West Ham United decide whether to keep the 24-year-old or loan him out again. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Oxford United, Stoke City and Swansea City have joined clubs from across Europe interested in signing 20-year-old Scotland Under-21 right-back Max Johnston on loan from Sturm Graz. (Football Insider), external

Kieran Tierney, who is still out of the manager's first team plans after his loan to Real Sociedad, has been spotted for the first time at Arsenal this season after the 27-year-old Scotland defender took part in the club's annual media day. (Football Scotland), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack joined the Sportsound team before Philippe Clement's side were dumped out of the Champions League by Dynamo Kyiv and gave an update on his future.

The 32-year-old remains a free agent having left Rangers at the conclusion of last season, but says he is hopeful of finding a club in the near future.

"No club at the minute, no," he said.

"I was in Dubai recently for two weeks, training away, doing a pre-season camp myself, because obviously I knew I wasn't going to have a club by then.

"A guy I know in Dubai has got a training base that he has some players training out of in the off-season, so I had the chance to go over there.

"I just went by myself for two weeks, training every day on the pitch in the gym, just keep myself going.

"Since I've been back, I've just been running by myself, but I'm sitting at this stage now where you see everyone back, you start seeing nights like tonight, and big games coming thick and fast, and you want to be a part of some sort of team.

"Hopefully it's not too long in the future that I've got somewhere sorted."

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The Athletic's Arsenal reporter Jordan Campbell says Scotland defender Kieran Tierney is "realistic" about his Gunners future and likely to seek a move to "kickstart his career."

Tierney, 27, is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in Scotland's draw with Switzerland during Euro 2024 and isn't expected to be fit until October.

"It looked quite a bad one at the time when he twisted and hurt his hamstring," said Campbell on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's obviously been a bit of an Achilles heel for him the last few years, his injury record, it’s been a recurring issue for him.

"I don't think he's going to be back training until later next month, so probably not available really until October at the earliest.

"He's realistic about his chances of playing. Arsenal have just signed Riccardo Calafiori as well, so you've got Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior probably all ahead of him now in the pecking order.

"I think he's realistic about where his future lies, but it's going to be difficult to move this summer, just looking at when his injury is going to be. Maybe it'll be a loan or something happens in January for him to move on and really kickstart his career.

"He obviously really enjoyed Real Sociedad last year, but it's sort of finding somewhere else to settle now."

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Callum McGregor says his full focus is on Celtic after calling time on his international career.

Seven years after his debut, the midfielder announced his Scotland retirement last week, and he insists it was the right decision for him personally.

In his first outing since the decision, McGregor scored a wonderful long-range goal as Celtic comfortably beat Hibs at Easter Road as a reminder of his enduring quality.

"It felt like the time was right," the 31-year-old said.

"Sometimes you get a gut feeling for things in football and you have got to trust that.

"I had an amazing international career and lot of success. We managed to get the country back to major tournaments and now hopefully the guys can go on and continue that success. But just for myself it felt like the right time.

"In football as long as you’re happy with what you have achieved, then you can look yourself in the mirror and know you gave it your all.

"That’s been the decision now and I just want to concentrate on club football. We have had a good start to the season and we want to just keep doing that as well."

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Callum McGregor leaves big boots to fill in the Scotland midfield after his international retirement, according to the Celtic captain's former Scotland team-mate Stephen O'Donnell.

McGregor announced decision after seven years in the Scotland set-up, and O'Donnell praised the influence he has had on the international stage.

"As a fan I'm disappointed that he's retired," O'Donnell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He's a top player, for the caps he's had, for the consistency he shows over his full career to be honest. But the composure he has and being key in Steve Clarke's team.

"It's a team that's reached the European group stages which is the first time it's happened in 20-odd years. He was a main part of that, an integral part, so it'll be big miss for Scotland.

"Playing with him, he was ever-present. He was always there in training. You never saw him moaning. I know he had an injury this last season but other than that I can't think of many times he was missing."

We asked for your thoughts after Callum McGregor retired from international football.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Danny: A leader and a fantastic player who always kept his head up. He was the glue of the team for a good few years. Shame the Euros went the way they did but a fantastic player nonetheless.

Jim: It’s too soon to retire for Scotland for probably the best player we have at the moment. He always gives 110%.

Iain: McGregor has given Scotland good service and, although still relatively young, has constantly played over 60 games a season and is entitled to have a bit of a rest.

Neil: The right decision from him for a change, unlike when he's in possession.

David: There should be a lot more of them retiring with McGregor. Not one of them played well in the three games at the Euros and the manager too, absolute shambles. I feel absolutely sorry for that fantastic support.

Iain: In my opinion it could be good for everyone. Scotland have a more than adequate replacement in Lewis Ferguson who was already knocking on the door and had it not been for injury would have given a selection headache at the Euros. Brendan Rogers has already outlined the benefit for Celtic and if it is what McGregor has identified to extend his career, give him an extra edge or give him more time with his family it can only be good for him.

David: Top professional and Mr Reliable. He will be a miss, even just his professionalism. It would have been nice for him to stay but at least we are stacked in midfield.

Turkish club Galatasaray are weighing-up a deal for Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who has two years to run on his Liverpool contract. (Aspor - via Daily Record, external)

Napoli are confident they can close a deal with Brighton for Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour in a few days. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Bristol City and Scotland striker Tommy Conway is in advanced talks with Middlesbrough about a four-year deal, although there is interest from Championship rivals and the Premier League too. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland skipper Scott Brown says Celtic's Callum McGregor has made the "hardest decision in the world" by calling time on his international career.

Image source, SNS

Callum McGregor's Scotland retirement will prolong his career and can only benefit Celtic, says manager Brendan Rodgers.

McGregor, 31, played 63 times for his country after making his debut in 2017, and helped Scotland qualify for the last two Euros under Steve Clarke.

Rodgers says McGregor's now-reduced calendar will allow the midfielder to stay fresh throughout the season and continue to play at a high level for years to come.

"I'd obviously spoken to Callum on that and was aware of his intentions," Rodgers said.

"From a selfish perspective, for Celtic it's really good news because he gets the chance to recover - you all know the amount of games he plays.

"This will give him opportunities to have a breather because he's really intense. That's what I love about him, his appetite to improve. He never has a day off ever."

Rodgers was quick to praise McGregor's contribution on the international stage over the last seven years.

"He's been absolutely pivotal to [Scotland's] performance levels and qualifying for the tournaments they have," the Northern Irishman added.

"He is probably now looking at this next part of his career and he knows he will need to look after his body.

"A fantastic career he's had for his country, he can be very proud of that, and now going into the next part of his career, he has all his focus on Celtic."

Callum McGregor - a mainstay of the Scotland midfield under Steve Clarke - has called time on his international career after 63 caps.

How big a loss will the Celtic captain be to Clarke's side?

Has he made right call, or do you think it is too soon for the 31-year-old to withdraw from Scotland duty?

Have your say on McGregor's Scotland retirement here., external

Image source, Getty

Steve Clarke has paid tribute to "coach's dream" Callum McGregor following the midfielder's international retirement.

Celtic captain McGregor, 31, represented the national team 63 times, scoring three goals, and playing at back-to-back European Championships.

"Callum’s consistency of performance and leadership qualities have been a real catalyst in the team’s return to major tournaments," said Scotland head coach Clarke.

"He has been a driving force in the middle of the park and in many ways is a coach’s dream: he is low maintenance, leads by example and sets the highest standards every day in training and in matches.

"That professionalism and dedication has been a huge influence in our squad. We had a very good chat and while I am disappointed to lose Callum’s qualities I can understand the rationale behind his decision.

"He will be missed by his team-mates, the coaches, the backroom staff and, of course, the fans. I would like to thank him for all that he has contributed and helped us achieve."

Image source, Getty Images

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has described his 63-cap Scotland career as a "huge honour" after retiring from international football.

The 31-year-old made his debut against the Netherlands in 2017 and bows out having played at two major tournaments - Euro 2020 and 2024.

McGregor, who started all three games in Germany at this summer's finals, said: "I have made a decision which was very difficult, of course, but a decision which I feel is the right one at the right time.

"It was very important I spoke to [Scotland manager] Steve [Clarke] and I did that this week to make him aware of my intentions. As I said to Steve, I just felt the time is right for me to move on from international football.

"It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country, as appearing just once would have been a dream come true, so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the Roll of Honour at 50 caps is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid."

McGregor's goal against Croatia at Hampden in June 2021 made him the first Scotland men's player to score at a major tournament in 23 years.

His two other Scotland goals came against Ukraine in a World Cup play-off and against Georgia during the successful Euro 2024 qualification campaign.

"Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride, and scoring at Hampden in the Euros in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me," added the midfielder.

"Of course, like many others I wish we could have gone further in these competitions but, nonetheless, it has been a privilege to have played for my country on such a stage and to have represented my country for such a long period."

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland centre-half Scott McKenna has joined La Liga side Las Palmas on a three-year deal.

McKenna, 27, left Nottingham Forest this summer following the expiry of his contract and now makes the move to Gran Canaria.

The former Aberdeen defender becomes the second Scotland international to sign for Las Palmas this summer after striker Oli McBurnie.

Image source, GettyImages

A little extra fire power for Steve Clarke's profligate Scots? I see you sit up...

Harvey Barnes is the name doing the rounds... again.

Yep, we've been here before.

Barnes qualifies to play for Scotland through his grandparents, but has been capped once by England - in a 2020 friendly versus Wales - though he was rumoured to be a potential call-up for this summer's Euros.

Of course, that didn't happen, though the hen in the squad announcement video is still on some of our minds.

So too is Barnes recent comments. Speaking to The Athletic, Barnes admitted "there's been one or two conversations" regarding the switch of allegiance.

Ryan Cryle, joint sports editor of the Press and Journal and Evening Express, told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast that Barnes' indecision is a "turn off."

"He's probably thinking 'I could still get called up for England' so you don't want to commit yourself too much. But at the same time, that lack of ‘I really want to play for Scotland, call me up Steve Clarke’ is a little bit of a turn off for me.

"It feels like in those American sitcoms... if we get to 30 and we're not married, we can marry each other because we haven't found anyone else. It's a little bit like that.

"But Harvey Barnes has got 40 Premier League goals, and if we've seen anything from Scotland over the last few years, it's that up-front we need more goals in the team. We need players that are capable of scoring regularly.

"There's two sides to it for me. I'm not quite sure, because you want players to be desperate to pull on the international shirt and represent their country."

Some are less conflicted by the situation, however.

And former Scotland international Cammy Bell is one of them.

He's eager to bring in the Newcastle United attacker as soon as possible.

"Any £40m player, bring them to Scotland, get them in the squad," he gushed.

"I just think he would bring so much to the Scotland squad, something we've not got. He's a goalscorer, with a huge amount of assists as well, at the top level of football.

"Bring me a £40m player and put him in the Scotland squad, no problem."

Listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast here

Fulham remain in contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for 27-year-old Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay. (Sky Sports), external

Liverpool's Scotland Under-21 winger Ben Doak, 18, will be allowed to leave Anfield on loan this summer. (Football Scotland), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Ex-Scotland player Dominic Matteo says Leeds United youngster Harry Gray, 15, could be a future star for his former national team. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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Scotland defender Scott McKenna has been linked with a move to UD Las Palmas, according to Spanish newspaper La Provincia, external.

The former Nottingham Forest centre-back could join as a free agent, after the Premier League club announced he would be leaving when his contract expired earlier this season.

McKenna, 27, has spent the first half of 2024 on loan at FC Copenhagen, and featured in all three of Scotland’s games at the Euros in Germany.

He has been linked with moves to both sides of the Old Firm, as well as Hull City, but now could join up with former Scotland teammate Oli McBurnie, who moved to Gran Canaria after he left Sheffield United earlier in the summer.