Charlie Austin on Celtic link, Celtic and Rangers eye Ghana ace, Newcastle plot Motherwell swoop - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

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

Charlie Austin has opened up on the time he was linked with a move to Celtic

Celtic and Rangers linked with Ekuban

Celtic and Rangers have both been credited with an interest in Trabzonspor striker Caleb Ekuban, although Brighton and Lazio are also keeping tabs on the former Leeds United ace. Reports in Turkey suggest growing interest in the Italian-born 26-year-old but the Ghanaian is not seeking a move away from his club, meaning any team keen on his services would have to pay top dollar – almost £10 million – to secure his signature. (Karar)

Magpies eye ‘Well swoop

Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie is understood to be on Newcastle United’s radar, with the former St James’ Park youngster out of contract this summer.

The Magpies are keen to land the 28-year-old and are set to up their interest in Gillespie, who could be tasked with providing cover for, and challenging, Martin Dubravka with current back-up goalies Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow set to exit. (Daily Record)

Hoops keen on West Brom man

Celtic are said to be weighing up a move for West Bromwich Albion’s chief scout Gary Penrice, and could install the Baggies’ man as their head of recruitment. The Hoops are still seeking a replacement for Lee Congerton following his departure to Leicester, and Parkhead sporting director Nicky Hammond could look to tempt Penrice to Scotland as he eyes an overhaul. (Daily Mail)

Austin: I nearly joined Celtic

Charlie Austin has revealed he came close to joining Celtic during his time at Burnley. The current West Brom striker admitted his desire to play in an Old Firm game during an interview and said he was earmarked as a replacement for Gary Hooper when he left Parkhead in 2013, but Neil Lennon opted to sign Amido Balde and Teemu Pukki. Austin said:

“When I was at Burnley, I remember coming into training and Neil Lennon did an interview on Sky Sports saying, 'he's someone that we're looking at'. I was on the phone to my agent saying, 'look is this going to happen?'It's something that I would have done but nothing ever materialised after that and nothing has since." (Open Goal)

McNulty: I keep thinking about derby semi-final

Hibs striker Marc McNulty has revealed he keeps thinking about the Scottish Cup semi-final with Hearts, which was due to be played on April 11. The on-loan Reading forward said: “We obviously should have played that by now and I have thought about what it would’ve been like. It would have been great for me. I haven’t played at Hampden with Hibs and being an Edinburgh lad and playing there in the semi final of the cup, in an Edinburgh derby, would have been unbelievable.” (The Scotsman)

Dundee hand Hearts a lifeline

Dundee's voting U-turn on Wednesday secured rivals Dundee United’s return to the Scottish Premiership – and could also have handed Hearts a relegation lifeline. Dark Blues chief John Nelms finally supported a resolution to end the lower three leagues immediately and give the SPFL board powers to call the Premiership at the end of April. Celtic are set to land the top-flight crown but Hampden bosses will now discuss league reconstruction which could result in a 14-10-10-10 set-up, at least for one season, which would save Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer from relegation. (The Sun)

Stoke up Cosgrove interest

Middlesbrough could see their hopes of signing Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove scuppered with Stoke City now said to be taking a close look at the 23-year-old. (Gazette)