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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Out of contract Premiership XI as Rangers and Celtic along with Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs put clubs on transfer alert

The Scottish Premiership is rapidly approaching the business end of the campaign but that won't stop bosses starting their plans for next season behind the scenes.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and Michael Beale's Rangers may have their minds on silverware but there is little doubt plans are already in motion for a summer recruitment drive, while clubs with European ambitions like Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs will be looking to shake things up.

Even teams facing the relegation battle will look to keep the top talent on their books with clubs from Dundee United all the way up to St Johnstone looking over their shoulders with just 13 games left for Scottish clubs. Contracts are rapidly ticking down and a number of players are already free to speak to other clubs. Bargains are on the agenda for our top flight clubs, but there are already plenty on offer for keen bosses if they are quick off the mark.

So who could be on their way? Record Sport puts together an XI made up of some of the eye-catching imminent free agents.

GK - Conor Hazard (Celtic)

The Northern Ireland international hasn't had a look in under Postecoglou. The 24-year-old bombed out of the squad with Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain fighting it out for the number one spot before the arrival of Joe Hart. He was shipped out on loan to HJK Helsinki in Finland and despite a title-winning campaign away from Celtic Park he has not made an appearance - even on the bench - since his return.

Conor Hazard has been out on loan (SNS Group)

Hazard turned down a move to Ross County in January, but is rapidly approaching the end of his deal. He has a big decision to make as his future looks to be away from Celtic.

CB - Charles Dunne (St Mirren)

Centre-back Dunne has recaptured his best form at St Mirren under Stephen Robinson ,and has been a key part in the former Motherwell's boss' pursuit of a top six Premiership finish this term. He has reformed an impressive partnership with Declan Gallagher at the back that was forged initially at Fir Park.

(SNS Group)

The 30-year-old could be attracting admiring glances from the Buddies' rivals as he nears the end of his contract. A top half finish would only solidify his pedigree in defence.

CB - Morgan Boyes (Livingston)

The 21-year-old took the gamble of leaving Liverpool last summer and it has paid off for Boyes under David Martindale's tutelage. He has played a vital part in the Lions' surprise surge towards a top six finish this term, helping form a strong defensive unit and helping the side to six clean sheets this term.

(SNS Group)

The prospect has plenty of development to go which could see him remain in West Lothian. However, other bosses may back themselves to bring even more out of Boyes next term.

RB - Stephen O’Donnell (Motherwell)

Despite a difficult campaign for Motherwell, captain and Scotland cap O’Donnell would almost certainly tempt fellow Premiership clubs into a move into a pre-contract move. His heroics for the national side during previous campaigns will live long in the memories of fans - and potential suitors this summer.

The Steelmen skipper will have his focus on Premiership survival this term. But a fresh start is on the cards for the 30-year-old as his contract ticks down.

LB - Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen)

Versatile Hayes has been deployed in the left full-back role for Aberdeen this term under both Jim Goodwin and interim boss Barry Robson. The 35-year-old is approaching the end of his career, and a deeper role appears to suit Hayes, but could another contract be on the cards?

And would it be at Pittodrie or elsewhere? He has mainly been utilised off the bench but could offer an experienced option to several Scottish Premiership scouts.

CM - Robert Snodgrass (Hearts)

The capture of the 35-year-old former Scotland international was met with cautious optimism by Hearts fans, but now he’s up to peak fitness the midfielder has been stellar in maroon. The veteran has dropped into a deeper role and has been key to solidifying the Jambos as Scotland's third force.

(SNS Group)

With a shot at European football all-but-guaranteed next term, Snodgrass could be keen to remain at Tynecastle if he can come to terms with Robbie Neilson and sporting director Joe Savage. If not, clubs will be queuing up for the midfielder.

CM - Ryan Jack (Rangers)

The Scotland midfielder has been amongst Rangers' most reliable performers since he arrived from Aberdeen almost six years ago, performing well under Pedro Caixinha, Graeme Murty, Steven Gerrard, Gio van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale. However, he now faces a potential sliding doors moment in his Ibrox career.

Fans will expect a new deal to be put on the table by Beale and sporting director Ross Wilson. However, the arrival of Nicolas Raskin with more midfielder options likely to be on the way this summer a rethink could be on the cards.

LM - Ryan Kent (Rangers)

Speaking of out of contract Rangers players, Ryan Kent could be heading for the Ibrox exit door and is free to agree a pre-contract move away from Govan as it stands. The winger has been a vital player since bursting onto the scene in the Scottish Premiership in 2018.

(SNS Group)

A return to England could be on the cards, but the 26-year-old has a strong connection with boss Michael Beale. The Londoner must be keen to see the forward stay after his recent upturn in form.

RM - Aiden McGeady (Hibs)

Lee Johnson managed to tempt Aiden McGeady to return to Scotland, and after an injury-hampered start to life at Hibs he has been among the standouts during a difficult campaign. His upturn in form and the return of Kevin Nisbet have helped the club climb the league table and push for the top six once again.

But could he already be set to leave? The 93-times capped former Ireland international can produce the magic to unlock defences and will no doubt be being considered by clubs as we approach the end of the campaign.

ST - Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)

Alfredo Morelos has become Michael Beale's go-to striker after he arrived at Ibrox, with the Colombian making a case to become a regular starter with Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe sidelined through injury. Since Beale's arrival from QPR, Morelos has netted six goals and ramped up his fitness.

Alfredo Morelos of Rangers (Getty Images)

The club face a major call over extending the 26-year-old's form. Can he keep up his current standards, or should he be allowed to leave for nothing?

ST - Scott Robinson (Kilmarnock)

The striker spent almost a year out of action after hobbling off during Derek McInnes' first game in charge of Kilmarnock. It has taken him a while to get up to speed in the Premiership, but the former Livingston striker has made a case for a regular starting spot since returning to peak fitness.

(SNS Group)

Following the surprise exit of Kyle Lafferty, McInnes has now offered Robinson more of a role in the side. He will hope to earn a new Rugby Park deal, or impress potential suitors away from Ayrshire during their battle for top flight survival.

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