Celtic and Rangers lacking 'top footballers' - recruitment expert drops transfer verdict
Celtic, Rangers and Scottish football is lacking the quality players that were once of significant interest to the Premier League.
That is the opinion of former Aston Villa, Tottenham and Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
In recent years, moves from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League have been far less common.
This summer appears to be set to buck that trend, with Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston both in talks over moves to England, although the former would join Championship favourites West Ham.
Johnston is heavily linked with a move to Everton, with negotiations reportedly advancing on a deal worth around £15million.
Daizen Maeda has also left Celtic this summer, joining Ipswich Town in a deal worth around £10m.
Celtic and Rangers former duo have thrived in England
Some of the more successful transfers out from the Scottish Premiership in recent years include Kristoffer Ajer and Calvin Bassey, but the choice is very limited.
The likes of Matt O'Riley, Kieran Tierney and Odsonne Edouard have often failed to have the impact required to be a success in the Premier League, for one reason or the other.
"I think quality players can adapt coming from anywhere. I don't think there's that depth in quality like there was," King told Football Insider.
"You know, when you look back in the older days, Dave Mackay and Dennis Law. You know, these kind of players, John White and so on and so on. Billy Bremner.
"You know, these were top, top footballers. We haven't been seeing that top, top footballer. I think the last one that came was like Ally McCoist or, you know, ones that made an impact on the First Division or the Premier League.
"From my era, they were great leaders. Both Bremner and Mackay, you know, they won championships and cups and when you put them in perspective of what could come from Scotland today, there are not too many big names.
"Well, I think the last one that made an enormous impact on Scotland was Kenny Dalglish. You know, but that type of player, I can't see that type of player anymore. Not in Scotland.
"There used to be that abundance of really good, solid players who would come down and add that bit of steel or bit of quality to your football club. There doesn't seem to be names that spring out to me at the moment."
Could anyone else follow Celtic outgoings?
Engels, Johnston and Maeda may not be the only players to leave the Scottish Premiership for the Premier League this summer.
Rangers' Nicolas Raskin has been linked with a move away for some time, and enjoyed a strong World Cup.
Benjamin Nygren was subject of interest from Nottingham Forest in January, and Emmanuel Fernandez has also been linked away.
The next players to make the step will set a new standard for the Scottish Premiership, with the Old Firm sides keen to prove themselves as a pathway.