The SPL Registration Period will begin on Friday 1 January 2010 and will end on Monday 1 February 2010. The Registration Department will be open to receive applications from clubs from 9am until 5pm on Monday to Friday As 31 January falls on a Sunday, the SPL Registration Department will remain open until midnight on Monday 1 February 2010. Players confirmed by the SPL as Registered on Friday 1 January 2010 will be eligible to participate in League Matches on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 January 2010, subject to their registration also being confirmed as accepted by the SFA by 12.30 pm on Saturday 2 January 2010. Given that Gary Caldwell has failed to reach agreement on a new deal with Celtic,he will be free to sign a pre-contract with any of the clubs currently seeking his services from January 1. Celtic's plans to replace Caldwell have stepped up a gear with Belarus defender Dmitry Verkhovtsov confirmed as a target for the club. Naftan coach Igor Kovalevich says news of Celtic's interest in Belarus defender Dmitry Verkhovtsov has caused a bit of excitement at his club. (The Herald) Sheffield United’s central defender Matthew Kilgallon has been targeted for around £1million as he enters the final six months of his contract. French striker Olivier Giroud is also being linked with the hoops, the £2m-rated Tours star is expected to decide his future next within the next few weeks. Lech Poznan’s Semir Stilic is another player who has been on the Celtic radar. Celtic face a battle with Burnley to sign Arsenal's Jack Wilshere on loan. (Scottish Daily Express) South Korea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng who hopes to have a similar impact at Celtic as Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura after signing a four-year deal with the club on Monday can play in the New Year as can Darren O’Dea who has returned from his loan spell at Reading. Meanwhile the Scottish Premier League confirmed a total payout of almost £1 million to its clubs, with each club receiving over £80,000. This is an instalment of the fees due to the clubs for their participation in this season’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Finally a Merry Christmas to all our readers.