£15m striker tipped for Rangers move, Celtic close to high profile appointment, Parkhead ace wanted by MLS side, Aberdeen make key recruit - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

The Scottish Cup returns this weekend and it is set to be a chaotic and exciting few days, starting with the Highland derby between Inverness CT and Ross County this evening.

There are games on TV Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with the potential for shocks as the Premiership sides enter the tournament.

A shock the size of Brora Rangers’ 2-1 win over Hearts is unlikely but it is a competition which is one of the best around.

Here are Friday’s main headlines and news:

Friday's Scottish football news and headlines. Picture: Getty

Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Eddie Howe as the club’s new manager. The Parkhead hierarchy have met with the Englishman to discuss the role with Howe having rejected the chance to take over two Premier League clubs as he sets his sights on becoming Celtic boss on a salary which could be near the £2.3million Brendan Rodgers earned. (Scottish Sun)

Former Scotland international Richard Hughes and ex-Celtic striker could join Eddie Howe as part of the club’s overhaul. Howe is willing for John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan to be part of his coaching staff. Hughes is technical director at Bournemouth, while Burchill is a scout at the Cherries. (Daily Mail)

Scott Brown said he stuck up for his team-mate when Aleksandar Tonev was accused of racially abusing Shay Logan and found guilty by the Scottish FA. The Celtic captain revealed the Bulgarian claimed he didn’t do it. Brown said: “It’s about being a team-mate and doing the best for your team-mates. At that time, I stuck up for my team-mate because he said, and he swore to me, that he didn’t do it.” (Various)

New York Red Bulls are keen on Celtic striker Patryk Klimala. The 22-year-old has struggled to assert himself at Parkhead since joining for £3.5m from Jagiellonia Bialystock, scoring just three goals. The MLS side see the Pole has one option with the transfer window open in the US until June 1. (Scottish Sun)

Steve Clarke has admitted he is prepared to make the “tough calls” when naming his Scotland squad for the Euros. Currently the squad will be 23 strong but make be increased for this tournament. Clarke said: “That would obviously make selection a little bit easier for me, but if I have to make a tough call then that’s my job and I will make the tough calls.” (Various)

Rangers have secured Allan McGregor for a further season. The goalkeeper has been one of the club's key men this season. The 39-year-old has penned a deal until 2022. He said he “didn't really need convincing” and that his body is feeling “okay”. (Various)

Aberdeen have confirmed the appointment of Allan Russell as assistant firs team coach. The former St Mirren and Kilmarnock striker will join Stephen Glass' backroom staff, while continuing his role with the England national team where he works as a striker coach. (Various)

Alfredo Morelos will leave Rangers this summer, according to pundit Kevin Campbell. The ex-Arsenal and Everton striker has backed Britt Assombalonga to be a possible replacement. The striker Middlesbrough paid £15million is out of contract at the end of the season. Campbell said: “Morelos will be out. I’m sure he wants to move. Britt Assombalonga would be a handful up in Scotland.” (Football Insider)