by Ben Robertson

As the opening week of 2019 comes to a close, we take a look at how the teams in the league have strengthened, as the race for the Scottish Premiership title gets heated.

The league’s front runners – Celtic and Rangers-  have both added to their arsenal as they look to clinch the title in May.  This week has saw the Hoops bring in PSG youngster Timothy Weah, on a six month loan deal as well as Ivorian Striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo from Slovakian side Dunajska Streda.  Bayo has signed a 4 year deal with the club after his former club accepting a bid for a reported €2m.

Rangers have answered their rivals with a few singings of their own. The teddy bears have this week captured the signatures of both Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis. Both players join the club on a loan deal with Defoe’s being 18 month’s and Davis’ being 6.  Also In the week,  Kilmarnock FC forward Jordan Jones and Dundee FC midfielder Glen Kamara also signed for the club after both players agreed to move to the Glasgow side at the end of the season.

Speaking on the transfers made by the league giants, Ex Celtic player Chris Sutton believes the signings Rangers have made are more safe as apposed to Celtic’s. He said ” Rangers have gone down the route of buying players that some may say are past their sell-by date – I don’t – while Celtic have gone the other way bringing guys who are raw.”

“Defoe has shown all his career he’s a top finisher and Davis can give them the creativity they have missed.

“However, Celtic have taken a punt on the three guys they’ve signed and it’s important they hit the ground running.”

Third place Kilmarnock have been hit with a blow as they look onto the second half of the season after prolific forward Greg Stewart was recalled back to his parent club Birmingham. Despite losing the player for the time being, Killie have said that they are not ruling out trying to bring the player back to the club.

A source close to Kilmarnock said: “if an agreement can be struck that would see him see out the season with us then we’d be delighted.”

At the other end of the table sit Dundee. Rock bottom at this seasons half way point, they currently have 10 points out of a possible 63. They have began the opening week of the transfer market with the signing of former Ross county midfielder and QPR goalie Sent Dieng. Davis arrives ahead of an 18- month spell at the club and will look to help the side in their battle for survival in Scotlands top flight.

Gossip

Celtic are again looking to strengthen their defensive back line as they look to bring in cover for Mikael Lustig. The club are linked with  Norway full-back and Olympiakos player Omar Elabdellaoui. The league leaders are considering a bid of around £4m for the player.

Kilmarnock Fc talisman Eamon Brophy is reportedly being looked at by English side Leeds. This would be a massive blow for the Ayrshire side as they look to challenge Celtic and Rangers for some silverware this year.

Finally, Ayr United striker Lawrence Shankland has been linked with a move away from the club. According to reports Swansea and Sunderland are looking to capture the players signature within this window.