Rangers lead race for striker, Chelsea eye Celtic target, Hearts & Hibs latest - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

The latest Scottish football news, transfer rumours, and gossip…

Rangers are understood to be leading the race for Peterborough striker Ivan Toney but face competition from West Brom

Gers out in front in Toney race

Rangers are understood to be in joint-pole position to land Peterborough striker Ivan Toney, despite a host of clubs including Celtic registering an interest in the forward. Instead, the Ibrox side will face competition from West Brom for the 24-year-old. Toney hit 24 goals in the curtailed 2019-20 season but Posh’s £15 million asking price has put some clubs off. (Football Insider)

Hoops face Forster struggle

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for Fraser Forster, who spent last season on loan at Celtic. The towering shot-stopper helped the Hoops clinch their ninth title on the bounce and Celtic are keen to bring him back on a permanent basis. However, the Blues have been linked with a £10 million move for the Southampton man and the Gunners were linked over the weekend. (Daily Mail)

Bogdan linked with Hungarian side

Adam Bogdan has been linked with a move to Ferencvaros, casting doubt on a third spell at Easter Road. Bogdan initially joined Hibs on loan from Liverpool under Neil Lennon but signed short-term deal in December last year under Jack Ross. However, with the current uncertainty, the goalie is back home in Hungary and keeping himself fit and is on the lookout for a new club. (The Sun)

Naismith: I’ll stay and fight for place

Jason Naismith is keen to fight for his place at Peterborough United, despite voicing his hopes for a return to loan side Hibs. The former Ross County man played 14 times for Hibs after joining on loan but injury curtailed his season in January and despite talk of a possible move back north, Peterborough director of football Barry Fry said: “Jason has stated he wants to gave a go with us so Darren [Ferguson, manager] has invited him to training when it starts again. Until the injury I would have put good money on Hibs signing him, but they paid decent money for a right-back after Jason picked up his injury.” (Peterborough Today)

Hendry set for Belgian switch

Celtic defender Jack Henry has been linked with a move to Oostende. The Scotland cap is still making his way back after knee surgery but the Belgians, who narrowly escaped relegation last term, are keen on a loan move for the centre-back. (Daily Record)

Hayes offered Dons deal

Aberdeen have offered Jonny Hayes a two-year deal and are hopeful of having the former Pittodrie winger in for pre-season training, according to reports. The Irishman joined Celtic from Aberdeen, and is also understood to be a target for Dundee United and Blackpool. (Daily Record)

SPFL won’t bend rules to save Hearts

SPFL bosses have warned they can’t bend the rules to save Hearts from relegation, after former Tynecastle chairman Leslie Deans hinted at his former club launching a legal interdict to try and stop the new season starting in August unless they avoid the drop via league reconstruction. A 10am deadline has been set for today for votes on a proposed 14-10-10-10 set-up but it would need the backing of 11/12 Premiership clubs on top of three-quarters of Scotland’s 42 senior clubs. (Daily Record)

SFA strikes loan deal

The SFA has struck a loan deal to help struggling clubs secure emergency loans from merchant bank Close Brothers. The Daily Mail reports that many clubs have had a bad credit rating since the 2000s, with many banks refusing to lend to football teams. However, SFA president Rod Petrie is said to have confirmed with all 42 senior clubs that Close Brothers will accept applications for loans from clubs for two types of lending related to Covid-19. (Daily Mail)