Latest Transfer News & Rumours – Cull continues at Easter Road, Big Jan departs Celtic, Brighton bound for Smith & Man United youngster now a Hibee
Published: July 2, 2009
O’Brien freed by Hibs as the Easter Road club brings in Danny Galbraith from Manchester United, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s time at Celtic looks at an end after the club failed to take an option to sign him for a further year and Brighton snap up Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith on a free transfer. And some Transfer shorts to wet the appetite also.
O’Brien freed as Hughes cull continues at Easter Road
Hibs have revealed left winger Alan O’Brien’s contract has been terminated to let him explore other career opportunities. The Republic of Ireland international contract still had 2 years to run, and has came as a shock to many hibs fans.
O’Brien was signed by John Collins who saw him as a direct replacement for the departed Ivan Sproule. The Irishman failed to deliver the goods since signing from Newcastle United back in 2007. He has been hampered with several niggling injuries but new manager John Hughes has decided he was surplus to requirements at Easter Road and sanctioned his release.
The official club statement announcing his release read simply, “Hibernian can also confirm that Alan O`Brien`s contract has been cancelled by mutual consent to allow him to explore other career opportunities.”
Big Jan departs Parkhead
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s Celtic career appears to be at an end after the club failed to activate the one year extension clause in his contract. The striker, who joined Celtic for around £3.4million from PSV Eindhoven in 2006, struggled with injuries last season and failed to find the consistency or the net to be worthy of a new deal.
According to the Evening Times, Tony Mowbray “wants to bring down the average age of the squad he inherited from Strachan, and recruiting players with a resale value will continue to be the route they follow in this transfer window”.
Brighton snap up Well keeper Smith
Graeme Smith has agreed a two-year deal on the south coast to become Brighton boss’ Russell Slade’s fifth signing of the summer.
“Graeme comes with a good pedigree,” said Slade. “He’s been regular first choice in the SPL with Motherwell over the past two seasons and featured in their UEFA Cup campaign. He has represented Scotland at B level and has a good presence at over 6ft tall. Alongside Michel Kuipers we now have ample experience in the goalkeeping department for the new season.”
Youngster swaps the Glitz & Glamour of Old Trafford for Easter Road
Hibs have signed Manchester United winger Danny Galbraith, and manager Hughes is said to be delighted with the capture of the former Hearts youngster.
He said, “Daniel arrives at Hibernian with a great attitude and the best of his career ahead of him. He was unlucky with injuries at Manchester United, but is very young with good energy about the park. He has his whole career ahead of him and has shown he can play a variety of positions on the left-hand side. I’m really looking forward to working with him as he will provide great competition for places and I’m sure we’re going to get the best out of him.”
Galbraith, who can also play in central midfield, started his career with Hearts before moving to Old Trafford. United paid £50,000 for Galbraith in 2005 when he reached his 16th birthday and before he had made the breakthrough into the Hearts first team.
Galbraith said, “I enjoyed my time at Manchester United but the time was right for me to seek a new challenge with first-team football my main aim.”
Transfer Shorts
Burnley have upped their bid for Hearts winger Andy Driver to £1.5m plus extras.
Celtic target Marc-Antoine Fortune will decide in the next 24 hours if he’s bound for Glasgow or the Premier League.
Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre could move for a new goalkeeper after Paul Gallacher left for St Mirren, with Greg Fleming and Derek Soutar on his shortlist.
Brechin City look to have convinced veteran Dundee coach Barry Smith to sign on again as a defender.
Celtic’s bid to lure Marc-Antoine Fortune has taken another twist, with the Nancy striker’s team-mate Landry NGuemo set to make a switch to Glasgow after agreeing a move.
St Johnstone have made a move for Dundee United left-back Danny Grainger.
Rangers reserve coach Tommy Wilson admits the Ibrox club will review their loan policy after several players endured frustrating loan spells away from the club last season.
Reports from Scandinavia suggest Celtic and Birmingham are interested in Icelandic star Solvi Ottesen.
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