Rumour Mill: Scepovic | McGregor

Callum McGregor celebrates after opening the scoring for Celtic against Maribor, the player is now due to receive a Scotland call up. Picture: SNS

Stefan Scepovic expected to sign for Celtic today

Celtic signing target Stefan Scepovicis expected to sign for the Glasgow club today, in a deal that is reported to be around £3 million. Fellow serb and ex-Rangers star Gordan Petric has backed the striker to be a big hit for the Hoops. He said: “If Deila is looking for someone to be a target man and hold the ball to bring others into play then Stefan is that player.” Gijon pulled the striker from their squad for Saturday’s 2-1 win at Numancia as negotiations gathered pace. Celtic are also expected to sign winger Wakaso Mubarak on loan this week. (Express)

Callum McGregor is due to be called up to Scotland squad

CALLUM McGregor will cap an outstanding start to the season for Celtic when he is promoted to the senior Scotland squad today for the opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has scored three times in his club’s Champions League qualifying campaign so far, has caught the attention of Scotland manager Gordon Strachan as he prepares to name his squad for the match against the world champions in Dortmund on 7 September. (Scotsman)

Meanwhile the Celtic youngster has urged his team mates to ignore the pressure from the Parkhead crowd and instead let the fans spook their opponents in Tuesday night’s Champions League qualifier with Maribor, He said: “We will have a lot of the ball and the fans will be on our side as well. We just have to be careful we don’t get caught the other side by throwing too many bodies forward at the one time. We have to play the game and not listen to the crowd too much. The fans will be really eager for us to go and attack but we have to get a good balance in the team and attack at the right times. I’m sure we will be ready for it.” He added that the crowd would help spook their opponents, saying: “The crowd gets going on a European night and that puts pressure on the away team. Maybe Maribor are not used to big crowds like that.” (Various)

Nicky Clark vows to keep on scoring for Rangers

Rangers star Nicky Clark has vowed to maintain his scoring form in the league cup clash with Queen’s Park, with a little help from Kris Boyd.

Clark scored his second goal in three games in the win against Dumbarton on Saturdayand he is determined to get more goals against their city rivals at the Excelsior stadium tomorrow night. (Various)

Newcastle join race for Hearts defender Jordan McGhee

Newcastle have joined Sunderland in their pursuit of young Hearts defender Jordan McGhee. McGhee, 18, has impressed since breaking into the Jambo’s squad last season. He has been long tipped for the top and the Black Cats have began monitoring him towards the end of the campaign. His form this term has now alerted their north east rivals and both clubs have sent scouts to have him watched. With a week to go to the closing of the transfer window, the Edinburgh team are bracing themselves for a bid from one or both of the English clubs. (Sun)

Real Madrid could hold out for £75 million for Di Maria

Manchester United were last night locked in talks with Real Madrid after it emerged that although the English side had thought they had secured Angel Di Maria for £55 million, it is now thought the Spanish side are pushing for a fee closer to the region of £75 million. After yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, Manager Louis Van Gaal was unwilling to confirm whether Di Maria was on the verge of signing despite Real chief Ancelotti confirming the star had ‘said goodbye’ to his team mates. (Sun)

News in Brief:

• Wakaso Mubarak wasn’t good enough to play for Rubin Kazan according to the Russian coach who is due to loan him to Celtic. (Sun)

• Neil Lennon has said there has been no contact from Crystal Palace over the vacant managerial position. (Various)

• Scotland’s referees have insisted they are not money grabbers in their current dispute with the SFA and SPFL (Record)

• Stirling’s students are enjoying playing for new boss Shelley Kerr who secured a point in her first league game in charge with a 1-1 draw with Dalbeattie Star. (Record)

• Thomas Buffel believes Alex McLeish will be a huge success at Racing Genk. (Record)

• Fraser Forster is aiming to oust Joe Hart as England no.1 now he is in the spotlight following his switch to Southampton. (Express)

• Lee Wallace admits he has all but given up hope of playing for Scotland. (Mail)

Rumour Mill: Scepovic | McGregor | Clark’s vow