Celtic ace could leave on free transfer in summer, details of Eddie Howe stumbling block emerge, Rangers flop eyed by European giants, defender in talks over Parkhead exit - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

Thursday’s Scottish football news and gossip

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths could leave the club this summer. Picture: SNS

Howe camp refute claims

Talk of Eddie Howe being the Celtic manager in waiting are “extremely premature” according to the former Bournemouth manager’s representatives. They told Sky Sports the coach still wants to remain out of football until the summer, while it’s believed negotiations over his backroom staff and the hiring of Richard Hughes as director of football have proved a stumbling block between Howe and the Parkhead side. (Daily Record)

Griffiths could leave Celtic on free transfer

Leigh Griffiths could leave Celtic on a free transfer this summer as the Parkhead club have until the end of April to activate a one-year option. Aberdeen are understood to be waiting in the wings. (Scottish Sun)

Hendry in talks to leave Celtic

Jack Hendry has revealed his representatives are in talks with Belgian side Oostende about a permanent move from Celtic. The loan deal included a first-option clause for the Belgian side and they are now trying to persuade Hendry to remain in Flanders. (Daily Record)

Toney reveals he was close to Celtic signing

Ivan Toney has confirmed he was close to signing for Celtic last summer as the club chased the then-Peterborough United striker. However, the Parkhead board couldn’t match the £6 million Brentford paid for his services. (Scottish Sun)

Bayern Munich eye Rangers flop

Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on former Rangers striker Umar Sadiq. The 24-year-old, who played just four times for the Ibrox side during a forgettable loan spell from Roma, has 15 goals and five assists from 29 games this season for UD Almeria in the Spanish second tier. (The Scotsman)

Fans allowed into Hampden

Fans will be allowed into Hampden to watch Scotland in Euro 2020 action after the Scottish Government gave the green light for the stadium to be up to 25 per cent full for the fixtures. (The Scotsman)

Hibs close in on new chief exec

Hibs owner Ron Gordon anticipates the appointment of a new chief executive before the end of the current campaign, promising that the board are finally nearing the end of a punctilious and time-consuming vetting process. (Evening News)

Hearts injury update

Hearts expect to have midfielder Andy Halliday back for Friday’s Championship match against Alloa, but left-back Stephen Kingsley will miss out again. (Evening News)

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