Celtic in hunt for prolific international striker, Rangers target to be offered new contract, defending branded 'criminal' by Ibrox star - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

Young Boys striker Jean-Pierre Nsame is said to be wanted by Celtic. Picture: SNS

Monday’s Scottish football news and gossip

Celtic eye striker

Celtic are one of four clubs chasing Young Boys striker Jean-Pierre Nsame. The 27-year-old Cameroon international has scored 78 goals in 118 games and Celtic see him as an ideal replacement for Odsonne Edouard. Newcastle, Southampton and West Ham are also interested. (TeamTalk)

Contract offer for Rangers target

Newcastle United are looking to ward off interest from Rangers and a pair of Premier League sides by offering Jacob Murphy a new contract. The 26-year-old wide player will see his current deal expire this summer and Rangers are hoping to convince him his future lies at Ibrox. (Football Insider)

Gerrard laments cup record

Steven Gerrard has admitted his domestic cup record as Rangers manager is inadequate after watching his team beaten on penalties by St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox. (The Scotsman)

Tavernier brands defending ‘criminal’

Rangers captain James Tavernier has described his side’s defending at St Johnstone’s late set-piece equaliser as “criminal”. Opposing goalkeeper Zander Clark was left all alone in the centre of the goal to head the ball towards the far corner, where Chris Kane was on hand to poke it over the line. (Scottish Sun)

Sutton taunts Rangers

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton taunted Rangers after St Johnstone’s late equaliser, writing “What’s the goalie doin Tam..” in reference to ex-Ibrox star Hugh Burns screaming that now oft-quoted phrase during a past Old Firm derby while on Rangers TV. (Scottish Sun)

Hibs fuelled by heartbreak

The agony of past semi-final defeats are fuelling Hibs latest cup quest, according to manager Jack Ross. As he prepares to take his men back to Hampden for the third semi-final of his tenure, he believes the squad are better prepared to cope with the attendant expectations. (Evening News)

Hearts ‘should aim for top four’

Michael Smith believes Hearts should be looking to re-establish themselves as a top-four Premiership club. The Northern Irishman knows the minimum aim for next season is a place in the top six, but he is convinced the Edinburgh club ought to be among the top four. (The Scotsman)

Message from the editor

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