A look at the latest news and gossip from around Scottish football as the transfer activity heats up. 

Lille interested in Simunovic

French club Lille are set to launch a £5m bid for Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic. According to reports in The Sun, the French club have already been in contact with Celtic over securing the signature of the 24-year-old. Celtic are not thought to be keen on selling the defender. (The Sun) 

Daniel Candeias set for move to Turkey

Daniel Candeias is set to quit Rangers for Turkish side Genclerbirligi. The Portuguese midfielder is closing in on a switch to Turkey after holding talks with Gerrard and Director of Football Mark Allen this week. Steven Gerrard said: “I had a conversation on Wednesday with Daniel and he said he wanted to go and speak to a team in Turkey." (Evening Times) 

READ MORE: Rangers 6 St Joseph's 0: Five things we learned from stroll at Ibrox 

Right-back nears Celtic move

Celtic poised to make Hatem Abd Elhamed their fourth summer signing after striking a £1.7m deal for the Hapoel Be'er Sheva defender, who can play centre and right-back. A 4-year-deal has been reportedly agreed according to the Daily Mail.

McInnes hails Aberdeen youngsters

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes hails teenage duo Lewis Ferguson and Dean Campbell after coming through a banana skin tie in the Europa League. The Dons secured a 2-1 win against RoPS in Finland. (Various)

Celtic will do everything to keep Callum McGregor

Celtic will do everything they can to keep "pivotal" Callum McGregor at the club should Brendan Rodgers attempt to take the player to Leicester City, says manager Neil Lennon. The midfielder has been linked with a move to the English Premier League side during the summer transfer window, and Lennon admits that he wouldn’t be shocked to receive a bid for him due to his consistently high level of play. (The Evening Times) 

READ MORE: Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic given two-game ban for friendly red card 

Jason Cummings told he is free to leave Forest

Former Hibs and Rangers striker Jason Cummings has been told he's free to leave Nottingham Forest, despite having 12 months remaining on his contract. (Various)

Former Partick directors issue statement 

Former Partick Thistle directors Jacqui Low, Alan Rough and Michael Robertson issue a joint statement defending their stewardship of the club ahead of a proposed takeover by NewCity Capital. (The Herald)