Celtic and Rangers 'wanted' in shock new league plans, Bundesliga giants consider Edouard transfer bid, Leeds move on from Ibrox star, Griffiths' Celtic future, Key player's Euro 2020 boost: Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

European Super League has dominated the headlines – but it was back to the Scottish Premiership for a full midweek fixture card in the SPFL.

However domestic duties could not take breakaway plans and ambitions for football reform off the news agenda for long and despite all six English clubs distancing themselves from a cross-continental league competition, the plan is apparently still viable according to some – but others have moved on.

That has seen new ambitions expressed elsewhere – and all the while the Scottish clubs continue to pursue their targets of qualifying for the traditional European competitions – Champions League and Europa League – with matches on Wednesday night and preparations being made for next season, and beyond.

Here’s what has made the headlines on Thursday morning...

Rangers and Celtic are wanted to enter a new ‘British Premier League’ as part of reform of football in England being led by the ‘Big Six’ clubs south of the border. A cross-border league system involving the Old Firm is said to be next on the agenda after the failure of the European Super League (The Sun)

Florentino Perez says the European Super League proposal is not dead, despite a mass withdrawal of clubs this week distancing themselves from the idea. The Real Madrid president was one of the driving forces behind the ESL and says the plans are ‘on standby’. (The Guardian)

Borussia Dortmund will turn to Odsonne Edouard, if Erling Haaland leaves the Signal Idula Park.

Dortmund have had a history of signing young French players such as Ousmane Dembele and to continue this trend and replace their coveted Norwegian striker with the French under-21 forward.

SPFL Premiership rumour mill Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group)

(101 Great Goals)

Leeds United are ready to admit defeat in their ongoing pursuit of Rangers winger Ryan Kent. The midfielder has been subject of attention from Yorkshire for several years but the former Liverpool trainee appears set to stay at Ibrox and Leeds are beginning to prepare other targets. (Football Insider)

Norwich City and Newcastle United have made enquiries for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, according to sources in England. The Norwegian international was linked with AC Milan last summer and is one of several expected to leave Parkhead in the close season. (Eastern Daily Press)

Hearts forward Steven Naismith has taken up a new coaching role at the Tynecastle club, preparing for life after a playing career. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Kieran Tierney is preparing to give Steve Clarke a Scotland Euro 2020 boost by recovering from injury earlier than first feared. The Arsenal defender has been a key figure for Steve Clarke in the recent internationals and is shaking off a knee ligament issue - making him likely to regain fitness to be available for selection and also boosted by his club pulling out of the contentious ESL plan which prompted a ban threat from UEFA’s president. (The Scotsman)

Pat Bonner believes Leigh Griffiths’ time at Celtic is nearing an end. The Scottish striker scored the equaliser for John Kennedy’s side at Pittodrie last night. (The Scotsman)

Former Everton striker Shayne Lavery, who spent six months on loan at Falkirk in 2019, is wanted by both Kilmarnock and Motherwell. The twice capped Northern Ireland forward is currently at Linfield in his homeland, but his contract is expiring (Daily Record)

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today