Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Matus Bero | ‘£10m for Bitton’

Matus Bero is a target for Celtic - but they will face competition. Picture: Contributed

Hoops keen on Matus Bero

CELTIC are reportedly keen on Trencin midfielder Matus Bero, with the Hoops having had the Slovakian 20-year-old watched on a handful of occasions.

The midfielder, who has appeared for the Slovakia U17, U18, U19 and U21 sides, is believed to be a target for Ronny Deila - but Celtic could face competition from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and AC Milan. (Scottish Sun)

Johansen faces up to poor form

STEFAN Johansen has conceded that he ‘hasn’t been playing to the standard required’ following criticism of his performances for Celtic.

Despite suffering a back injury earlier this season, Johansen said: “I can’t blame injuries alone for my poor form this season.

“I’m not the type of guy who would use that as an excuse. But I’ll be honest and say I haven’t been playing to the standard that is required.’ (Daily Record)

Celtic ‘want £10m for Bitton’

CELTIC have reportedly slapped a £10m price tag on Sunderland target Nir Bitton, in a bid to put off the Black Cats.

The English Premier League outfit were linked with a move for the Israeli midfielder, who signed a new five-year deal with the Hoops at the start of this month.

It is understood that Bitton’s camp is yet to receive any contact over a potential move to Wearside. (Shields Gazette)

United take Pongolle on trial

DUNDEE United have taken former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid striker Florent Sinama Pongolle on trial.

The 31-year-old, from Reunion, trained with United yesterday and has had spells with Le Havre, Blackburn Rovers, Recreativo, Sporting CP, Zaragoza, Saint-Etienne, Rostov and MLS side Chicago Fire.

He made one senior appearance for France, but scored 11 goals in 37 matches for the Under-21s.

He was most recently with Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport. (Daily Record)

Bodul free to leave Tannadice

MEANWHILE Dundee United have told striker Darko Bodul he is free to leave Tannadice.

The ex-Ajax striker has failed to score in 11 appearances and hasn’t been seen since the 5-0 reversal at Celtic Park last month. (Daily Record)

Hibs close gap on Rangers

TWO goals from striker James Keatings helped Hibs to a 2-1 win over a resilient Livingston side at a rain-soaked Easter Road.

A late goal from sub Jordyn Sheerin ensured a nervy end for Alan Stubbs’ men, who held on to close the gap on Rangers to two points.

And Mark Burchill’s side face the Gers on Saturday, while Hibs travel to Alloa. (The Scotsman)

Defiance the winner as England beat France

DELE Alli enjoyed a stunning full debut as England beat France on a night of tears, compassion and defiance.

The 19-year-old Tottenham midfielder found the top corner with a stunning 24-yard strike and played a key role in Wayne Rooney’s second-half volley.

But the real winner at Wembley was football. Just four days after 129 people died in the Paris terror attacks, the France team and their English counterparts, as well as the home and away fans inside this famous stadium, stood shoulder to shoulder to send a defiant message to the terrorists who wreaked havoc in the French capital. (The Scotsman)

Kenny Miller agrees one-year extension

KENNY Miller has signed a new one-year deal at Ibrox, prolonging his senior career to 19 years.

The former Hibs and Celtic striker, who turns 36 in the next few weeks, is currently injured but has netted five goals in 13 appearances for the Gers. (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Matus Bero | ‘£10m for Bitton’ | United take Pongolle on trial