SPL Transfer Rumours That Could Change the Season

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The January transfer window doesn't bring quite the same level of excitement in Scotland as it does south of the border.

In England, managers are quite happy to spend over the odds for players in a desperate attempt to improve their squad for the second half of the season, but up here things are a bit different, as managers have to work with far more limited resources.

With the exception of Celtic, SPL transfer budgets for the January window are largely composed of Nectar points and money-off coupons cut out of the newspaper. As a result, most of the transfer gossip involves players leaving rather than coming in, although there are a few of the latter.

We've combed the news wires to find you the transfer rumours that could very well change the season.

Juwon Oshaniwa to Celtic

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Source: STV News

Nigerian left-back Oshaniwa is currently in South Africa for the African Nations Cup, but by the time the tournament is over he might well find himself moving to Parkhead to join the Scottish champions.

Talks with Celtic began earlier this month but were interrupted by the start of the tournament, and with only ten days remaining in the transfer window, Lennon will hope the talks don't stay on hold for too long—he'll want to get the deal wrapped up sooner rather than later.

Oshaniwa, currently contracted to Israeli side Ashdod, is just 22, and is another player Celtic would be signing with a view to the future.

However, left-back was an area many had targeted as a potential weak spot for Celtic going into the window, and he may be able to break into the first team if he impresses.

Juan Agudelo to Celtic

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Source: Sky Sports

Juan Agudelo spent some time training with Celtic during November in a bid to win a move during the MLS offseason, and despite interest from a number of sides around Europe, it's looking increasingly likely that the forward, born in Colombia, will make Parkhead his next destination.

If he does so, he will give Celtic more options upfront, and with four competitions to play for—the Scottish Cup, the league, the League Cup and of course, the Champions League—Lennon will benefit from being able to rotate the squad to give his star players time off to rest and recuperate.

Agudelo is just 20 years old and will likely be happy to act as a backup option to begin with, but he won't settle for this for long; he'll be keen to impress and make an impact as soon as possible.

Gary Hooper to Norwich City

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Source: The Scostman

By far the biggest transfer story in Scottish football this January concerns Gary Hooper and his potential move from Celtic to Norwich City.

Celtic recently rejected a bid of £5 million for their striker, who's been in great form this season, especially in the Champions League. But reports suggest that Chris Hughton is ready to come back with an improved offer closer to £7 million, which might be too substantial for the Hoops to reject.

Were Hooper to leave, it could have serious implications for Celtic, if not domestically then certainly in the Champions League. The tie with Juventus is looming and without Hooper, Celtic will lack the goal threat which has been a key factor in their success this season.  

Victor Wanyama to Arsenal/Manchester United

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Source: International Business Times

Victor Wanyama has impressed everyone this season with his remarkably accomplished performances in the Champions League, and it comes as no surprise that top sides in Europe are interested in making a move for the Kenyan midfielder.

A month ago, it seemed that Manchester United were the most likely to capture his signature, but recently Arsenal have emerged as contenders, and Arsene Wenger has revealed that he'll be looking to conclude some deals before the window slams shut.

If Hooper leaving Celtic would be bad news, Wanyama leaving could be catastrophic, especially in the short-term, as it's hard to see Celtic managing to pull off a result against Juventus without a player who's been such a key part of their success during this campaign.

There's little doubt that Wanyama's future lies away from Celtic and away from Scottish football, but Celtic will be hoping any potential move can be put off for a while—until the summer at the very least.