Celtic and Rangers eye ‘new Kante’, Hibs fans ‘can fund signings’, Hearts sporting director latest - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

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

Haris Belkebla (right) shields the ball from Bordeaux forward Jimmy Briand during a Ligue 1 match in September 2019

Old Firm rivals eye ‘new Kante’

Celtic and Rangers have both been linked with Algerian midfielder Haris Belkebla, who has been compared to Chelsea and France ace N’Golo Kante. Reports claim the 26-year-old has received an offer from the Hoops and that the Brest star is keen on playing abroad. (Lebuteur)

Hoops ‘miss out on Belgian’

One player unlikely to be joining Celtic is Belgian centre-back Lars Dendoncker, who has also rejected an approach from Wolves - where his brother Leander plays - to join Brighton. The 19-year-old has been linked with Roma and Inter Milan but the Club Brugge youngster looks to have chosen the Seagulls as his next destination. (Goal)

“Well keen on Hastie reunion

Motherwell are in talks with Rangers over a loan deal for former Fir Park midfielder Jake Hastie. The 21-year-old moved to Ibrox just 11 months ago but has struggled for game time and spent time on loan at Rotherham. The player is likely to be allowed to go out on loan again and the Steelmen could look to bring Hastie back to his former club. (The Sun)

Celtic’s Forster hopes fade

Celtic’s chances of striking a deal to bring Fraser Forster back to Parkhead look to be dead in the water, according to reports. It has been claimed that the Hoops would have to agree a sizeable permanent deal with Southampton for the giant ‘keeper but with Forster having two years left on a £90,000-a-week contract, it looks like any move back to Scotland is now off the table. (The Sun)

Elyounoussi returns to Hoops

Celtic have retained Mohamed Elyounoussi on another season-long loan. The Southampton winger will get a further chance to impress the Celtic fans after the club confirmed his new loan deal. Reports in Norway last week claimed he had a choice between going on loan to Celtic or Real Betis next season and the wide man has opted to stay in Scotland. (The Scotsman)

Hibs fans’ money can fund signings

Hibs fans may have been reassured over any urgent need to dip into their pockets to save their club, but their fundraising efforts can still make a significant difference on the park. That was the message from Jim Adie, chairman of Hibernian Supporters Limited, which has seen a significant surge in pledges over the past fortnight in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. (Evening News)

Hearts sporting director latest

Hearts will interview more people for their sporting director job this week after deciding not to proceed with some candidates. David Weir and Adrian Bevington were both in the running but the Evening News has learned that Bevington is no longer a contender. (Evening News)