Rumour Mill: Berget | Celtic | Nadir Ciftci | Hibs

Celtic sell Tony Watt, sign Cardiff star on loan and arrange Villareal friendly; Andy Robertson still to decide over Hull City move and Scott Robertson hails Scott Allan signing
Jo Inge Berget just has time to pose with a Celtic shirt before jetting off to Warsaw. Picture: SNSJo Inge Berget just has time to pose with a Celtic shirt before jetting off to Warsaw. Picture: SNS
Jo Inge Berget just has time to pose with a Celtic shirt before jetting off to Warsaw. Picture: SNS

One, in one out at Celtic as Watt leaves but Berget arrives

CELTIC yesterday sold striker Tony Watt to Belgian cracks Standard Liege for £1.2 million, and brought in Norwegian midfielder Jo Inge Berget on loan from Cardiff City.

Watt spent last season on loan at Standard’s fellow Jupiler Pro League team Lierse, and had claimed he was ready to fight for his place in the Celtic team.

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Berget, who joined Cardiff from Molde, had been signed on loan by Ronny Deila at Stromsgodset in the 2010/11 season, but only managed one appearance for the Bluebirds last season.

Deila said: “[Berget] is a player who will work hard and give everything to the team. I hope he can enjoy a successful time at Celtic.” (The Scotsman)

Celtic arrange Villareal friendly

SPANISH outfit Villareal will face a Celtic select side on September 3 at El Madrigal to raise funds for El Submarino Amarillo’s ‘United for Hope’ project.

A Villareal supporters’ group - The Celtic Submari CSC - are promoting the initiative as part of the CSC’s 10th anniversary.

The group were formed when Celtic faced the Spanish side in 2004. (Evening Times)

Fenerbahce want Nadir Ciftci

TURKISH side Fenerbahce are preparing an £800,000 bid for Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci.

The 22-year-old had an impressive season for the Tannadice club and the Istanbul-based club are keeping an eye on their striker situation with Emmanuel Emenike and Moussa Sow being linked with moves away from Turkey.

Ciftci, a Turkey Under-19 international, has also played for Portsmouth, Kayserispor and NAC Breda.

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He scored 17 goals for United last season, and recorded 12 assists. (Turkish-Football.com)

Robertson still to decide on Hull move

ANDY Robertson’s representative had insisted the defender will only sign for Hull City if it will further his career.

The Scotland left back was the subject of a £3 million bid from the Tigers, with United accepting that fee and agreeing the sale.

Robertson only turned professional last year after leaving Queen’s Park for Tannadice. (Evening Telegraph)

United eye Hull defender

AND United are eyeing a move for Hull full-back Conor Townsend to fill the gap if Robertson signs for the Tigers.

Townsend, 21, is still to make the breakthrough to Hull’s first team, but has enjoyed extensive experience at Grimsby, Chesterfield and Carlisle. (Evening Telegraph)

Stubbs backs Oxley to shine

ALAN Stubbs finally got his man yesterday after signing Hull City ‘keeper Mark Oxley on a six-month loan deal.

The Hibs head coach will hand Oxley a baptism of fire in the Petrofac Training Cup tie against Rangers, but Stubbs feels the goalie, who was capped at Under-18 and Under-20 level for England has what it takes.

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Stubbs added: “The move suits everyone. We were looking for a new first-choice keeper and Mark was looking for a fresh challenge and an opportunity to play regular first team football.

“He showed last season at Oldham that he is an excellent young keeper and his move here provides him with a perfect platform to continue his development.” (Various)

Robbo tips Allan to shine

MEANWHILE, Hibs midfielder Scott Robertson has backed former Dundee United team mate Scott Allan to shine following his arrival.

Allan spent two and a half years with West Bromwich Albion, mostly on loan to other clubs, before being released.

And now Robertson believes Alan Stubbs can get the best out of the former Scotland Under-21 star.

Robertson said: “Scott has undoubted quality, he really does. With the ball he’s an exceptional talent and I just feel he’s maybe not been nurtured down south as much as he could have been up here.

“Boys like Scott will flourish at a club like this. The manager tries to get the best out of people by believing in them, rather than belittling them.

“I think with the management team now the club’s going in the right direction, so it’s a good time to be here.” (The Sun)

News in brief

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Steven Anderson looks unlikely to be fit for St Johnstone’s clash with Spartak Trnava but is expected to be ready for his testimonial

• Trialist Callum Ball scored four goals as St Mirren routed Whitley Bay 10-0 last night

• Richie Foran is still out injured, with the Inverness midfielder having no date for a return

• Ex-Hibs boss Bobby Williamson has put himself forward for the vacant Kenya job

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