Rumour Mill: Anthony Stokes bids | Virgil van Dijk

Anthony Stokes was the subject of two failed bids by Championship sides. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Stokes wanted by Bolton and Birmingham

ANTHONY Stokes was the subject of two failed bids on transfer deadline day as both Bolton and Birmingham attempted to lure the Irish striker to the Championship.

Bolton boss Neil Lennon, who signed Stokes from Hibs five years ago, attempted to bring the 27-year-old forward to the Macron Stadium while Birmingham were also credited with an interest in the striker.

Stokes, who has had spells with Sunderland, Hibs and Falkirk, has effectively been told he has no future at Celtic. (Various)

Waalwijk net £1.1k from van Dijk transfer

VIRGIL van Dijk’s money-spinning move to Southampton has landed Dutch minnows £1100 - after the defender trained with them for just under a fortnight.

RKC Waalwijk - Hearts midfielder Kenny Anderson’s former club - had van Dijk train with them for 13 days before he joined Willem II in 2009.

And Waalwijk director Remco Oversier also revealed the club had pocketed about €250 as a development fee for van Dijk when the player joined Celtic from Groningen. (Various)

Deila ‘wil make more signings in January’

RONNY Deila has pledged to make more signings in January, despite bringing in eight new players to Celtic.

Deila told the club’s website: “We already had a strong squad going into the summer period and we have now signed eight quality players in this transfer window.”

“Again we will once again look to strengthen in the January transfer window.

“We have the resources available to do this and this is something we always aim to do, ensuring that we are as well equipped as possible to bring our supporters as much success as we possibly can.” (celticfc.net)

Hooper denies VIP box fiasco over Owls move

GARY Hooper has denied turning down a move to Sheffield Wednesday because the Owls wouldn’t include a private box in the deal.

Wednesday, who had shelled out £500,000 in loan fees and were prepared to pay Hooper’s £32,000-a-week wages in full, claimed yesterday that the ex-Celtic striker’s desire for a VIP box had collapsed the deal.

But Hooper appeared to rebuff the claims on Twitter yesterday, saying simply: “Not true.” (Various)

Insall vows to make step up after whirlwind few weeks

JAMIE Insall has vowed to make the step up at Hibernian after being handed a three-year contract after a successful trial period.

A prolific non-league goalscorer down south, Insall has been given the chance to realise his dream of playing professional football at Easter Road.

And Insall, who’s transfer was confirmed earlier this week, is hopeful he can make the step up and bang in the goals for Hibs.

He said: “This is a great move for me – I’m absolutely delighted to have been given the chance to sign for Hibs.

“My aim now is to repay the faith that the manager has shown in me by working hard, developing my game and ultimately helping the first team by scoring goals.” (The Scotsman)

Green and Whyte charged with Rangers fraud

FORMER Rangers owner Craig Whyte and ex-chief executive Charles Green have been charged with serious organised crime offences in relation to the acquisition of the club in 2012.

The pair were met by chaotic scenes as a group of Rangers fans gathered to question and shout at the men as they left Glasgow Sheriff Court separately yesterday afternoon.

A group of around 20 supporters shouted and tried to jostle former Sheffield United chief executive Green who left court around 3.30 pm. (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: Anthony Stokes bids | Virgil van Dijk | Jamie Insall