Celtic condemn new Duffy attack, Rangers handed transfer boost, Aberdeen manager latest - SPFL Rumour Mill

Wednesday’s football news and gossip...

SPFL Rumour Mill

Hoops slam new Duffy abuse

Celtic have hit out at another abusive attack on defender Shane Duffy, branding the abuse "shameful and cowardly". The Irishman was again taunted over his father's death. (The Sun)

Gers handed transfer boost

Rochdale winger Kwadwo Baah's projected move to Manchester City has reportedly fallen through, which could be good news for Rangers The Ibrox side were among a host of clubs tracking the 18-year-old's progress. (The Telegraph)

Celtic issue Old Firm statement

Celtic published an extraordinary statement last night insisting they were "not half of anything" following a letter from Rangers chairman Douglas Park to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over criticism of how the Ibrox side had handled their supporters' title celebrations, in which he referred to the Hoops as "the other half of the Old Firm". (Daily Record)

King: Lawwell exit will affect Celtic

Former Rangers chairman Dave King has claimed Celtic's influence on Scottish football will diminish when Peter Lawwell steps down as Hoops chief executive this summer. (The Scotsman)

Hibs face biggest game of the season

Former Hibs winger Mickey Weir believes this weekend’s trip to Ross County is the club’s biggest game of the season. (Evening News)

Buddies in Goodwin warning

St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has issued a hands-off warning to Aberdeen, pre-empting any bids by the Dons to try and lure Saints boss Jim Goodwin to Pittodrie. (The National)

Balogun drops Rangers contract hint

Rangers defender Leon Balogun has suggested that he is on the verge of signing a new deal with the title-winners. The Nigerian internationalist said in an interview that he was “pretty confident there will be somehing to talk about soon,” adding that he saw no reason why he wouldn’t be remaining at Ibrox. (The Sun)

Kamara in Euro ban sweat

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is one booking away from a Europa League suspension ahead of the round of 16 first leg match against Slavia Prague on Thursday. If the Finnish internationalist or team-mate Kemar Roofe are booked in Prague, they will miss the return leg at Ibrox on March 18. (The Scotsman)

Hoops hope to have Bitton back for Old Firm clash

Celtic are hopeful of having versatile Israeli internationalist Nir Bitton available for next weekend’s Old Firm match. The 29-year-old has been sidelined for around five weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage in the Hoops’ 2-1 defeat by St Mirren at Parkhead at the end of January. (The Sun)

Glass to return?

Stephen Glass has emerged as an early candidate to succeed Derek McInnes while former Celtic and Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney is also understood to be interested in the role. (Daily Record)

Budge set to hand ownership over to Hearts fans

Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge intends to hand ownership of the club to supporters in time for an anticipated Premiership return this summer.

She will transfer her 75.1 per cent shareholding to the Foundation of Hearts, who will then own the club on behalf of fans. FoH have already repaid Budge the £2.5 million she invested to gain control at Tynecastle Park in 2014. (Edinburgh Evening News)

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