Rumour Mill: Bamford to Celtic? | Nacho Novo to Glentoran? | Hibs want Henderson | Olympiacos eye Ambrose

Could Patrick Bamford, pictured here in action for Norwich, be on his way to Celtic? Picture: Getty Images

Celtic eye Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford; Hibs hopeful of landing Liam Henderson on a permanent deal; ex-Rangers striker Nacho Novo set to join Glentoran and Olympiacos reignite Ambrose interest

Bamford linked with Celtic move

CHELSEA forward Patrick Bamford has been linked with a move to Celtic amid interest from Fulham, Aston Villa and Wolves.

QPR are keen on taking the 22-year-old striker on loan to Loftus Road but could head north of the Border as Celtic’s ‘wildcard’ signing for the Champions League.

Bamford is yet to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea but has turned out for MK Dons, Derby, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Norwich. (Various)

Chalobah on Celtic’s radar

BAMFORD’s Chelsea team mate Nathaniel Chalobah is another name mentioned in connection with Celtic.

Able to play in defence or midfield, Chalobah - like Bamford - has not appeared for Chelsea but has been out on loan at Watford, Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Reading and Napoli.

Chalobah has made 29 appearances for England Under-21s, and signed a new five-year deal at Chelsea in August 2013. (Evening Times)

Nacho Novo to Glentoran?

FORMER Rangers striker Nacho Novo looks set for a shock move to NIFL Premiership side Glentoran.

The 37-year-old Spaniard - who was pictured in Belfast earlier this month - has held talks with manager Alan Kernaghan over a move to east Belfast.

Since leaving Rangers, Novo has turned out for Sporting Gijon, Legia Warsaw, Huesca, Morton, Carlisle United and, most recently, Carolina Railhawks in America. (Various)

Hibs hopeful of permanent Henderson deal

HIBERNIAN boss Neil Lennon has said he is hopeful of landing Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson on a permanent deal, despite talk of a loan agreement for the 20-year-old.

Henderson, who spent last season on loan at Hibs and helped the club to Scottish Cup glory in May, has barely featured under Brendan Rodgers and was linked with a return to Hibs following the arrival of Lennon. (Scottish Sun)

Olympiacos join Ambrose chase

GREEK cracks Olympiacos have rejoined the chase for Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, with the Nigerian looking likely to exit Parkhead in the coming weeks.

The Piraeus-based outfit were linked with Ambrose last year but failed with a move for Ambrose.

But with the defender now seemingly out of favour under Brendan Rodgers the Greek Superleague outfit are reportedly considering a £1 million bid. (Various)

Hoops face defensive crisis ahead of Astana clash

CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers is without five central defenders ahead of the Champions League clash with Astana after Erik Sviatchenko was ruled out of the match in Kazakhstan.

The Dane could be out for up to three weeks, and joins Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer on the injury list while Kolo Toure has been left behind due to a lack of match fitness.

Mikael Lustig is able to play in central defence while Efe Ambrose could be recalled. Youngster Eoghan O’Connell is another option for Rodgers. (Daily Record)

Hibs captain Gray ‘could face Falkirk’

HIBS have been handed a boost ahead of their season opener with old foes Falkirk, with David Gray in contention to play despite picking up an injury against Brondby.

The Scottish Cup winner sustained a shoulder injury in Copenhagen but has an outside chance of lining up against the Bairns. (Daily Record)

Lucas to get second ‘Well chance

LEE Lucas, who is currently looking to win a permanent deal with Motherwell after being released by Swansea City, will be given another chance to impress ‘Well boss Mark McGhee after limping off against Annan Athletic.

The 24-year-old signed a two-week contract so he could face Annan but had to be replaced after picking up a knock. (Motherwell Times)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Scotland defender Gordon Greer has joined Blackburn Rovers on trial after being released by Brighton

• Fellow Scotland international Liam Bridcutt is keen on a move to Leeds United

• Motherwell are hopeful of landing Craig Clay on a short-term deal after the midfielder was released by Grimsby