Transfer speculation

As is normally the case, the close season has brought a great deal of transfer speculation. As preparations are stepped up for the new campaign, the transfer rumour mill has gone into overdrive, and I thought I'd share some of the rumours doing the rounds at the moment......

Striker Jim McIntyre has been linked with a move away from East End Park, with St Mirren alleged suitors. The Pars Scottish Cup semi final hero has become a fixture in Stephen Kenny's plans since recovering from a neck injury in January, and struck up a good understanding with Tam McManus towards the end of the season.
So far though, nothing has come of the reputed interest from Paisley, and McIntyre travelled with the Pars squad to their training base in La Manga on Sunday.

One player who seems close to the East End Park exit door is defender Sol Bamba. The popular Ivory Coast under 23 captain has remained in Scotland following interest from clubs in England and France.
Kenny confirmed Bamba could be on his way, saying: "Sol hasn't travelled with the group because the possibility exists that he could be moving.

"There's nothing concrete as yet, but we understand there are clubs, principally from the English Championship, interested."

We await developments with baited breath.

Onto players possibly joining Kevin Harper at East End and rumours are again surfacing that 2 players who were with the Fifers on loan last term, Jim O'Brien and Stephen Glass, could be set to return.

O'Brien returned to Celtic at the end of last season but it seems unlikely that he'll be a first team regular, and rumours are that a return to EEP, either on loan or permanently could be on the cards. Could a deal be struck which would see Bamba going the other way? Who knows. Seems unlikely to me, but you cn never tell.

Glass on the other hand has no future at Hibs and seemed certain to sign for St Mirren. But latest rumours indicate that John Collins is unwilling to sell to another SPL club, leaving the Pars as favourites to sign him. We could see more developments on this tomorrow.

And finally, former Dunfermline loan sensation Adam Hammill, touted for a return to Scotland on loan, is all set to join George Burley's Southampton in the Coca Cola Championship for a season having been handed a new 3 year deal at Liverpool.

Pre-season, don't you just love it!