Rumour mill: Benfica keen on Forster

Fraser Forster is a target for Benfica, while skipper Scott Brown is out for three months with a hamstring injury. Picture: Robert Perry

Benfica are preparing a move for Fraser Forster

Benfica are preparing for a bid for Fraser Forster after selling goalkeeper Jan Oblak to Atletico Madrid. Money will not be an object though for the Portuguese team after they banked £18 million in the deal. Fraser Forster is considered to be top of their wanted list. Forster is under contract until 2016 but Celtic have been readying themselves for bids. Before quitting Celtic Neil Lennon admitted Celtic would face a tough time trying to keep the England international. He said: “A huge club will come in and make a huge bid.” (Record)

Scott Brown out for three months

Ronny Deila revealed last night the extant of Scott Brown’s injuries, stating that his skipper will be out for three months. Brown’s scan yesterday showed that he had almost ripped the muscle from the bone. Brown is now set to miss all of Celtic’s qualifiers as well as the first two group games should Celtic reach that stage. He is also set to miss out in Scotland’s qualifier against Germany and possibly the games against Georgia and Poland. The Hoops boss said: “It’s not positive news for Scott. He will be out for at least two months, maybe three. That’s hard for him and hard for us. The hamstring has been almost ripped off. Scott doesn’t need an operation but it’s quite a big injury.” (Various)

Meanwhile the Celtic manager has laughed off suggestions Alessandro Del Piero is heading to Parkhead. Deila said: “I can understand why he wants to play for a club like Celtic but I don’t think that’s going to happen.” (Record)

Scotland set to be seeded in Pot Two for next World Cup draw

Scotland will be seeded in Pot Two for the next World Cup draw, should they maintain the current progress. This will move them up two groups from Euro 2016. Scotland are currently 27th in the FIFA rankings and got as high as 22nd after a string of good results under Gordon Strachan. Currently they would be in the same pot as Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Ukraine, England, Denmark, Romania and Sweden. (Record)

Kilmarnock eye Jamie McAllister

Kilmarnock boss Allan Johnston is running the rule over Jamie MCAllister as he looks to solve his left-back problem. The 36-year-old former Aberdeen and Hearts man is training with the Rugby Park side after being released by Yeovil Town in May. McAllister captained Yeovil in the Championship last season but was their highest profile casualty in their relegation to League one. (Sun)

Luiz Felipe Scolari says sorry for Brazil defeat and asks for forgiveness

Shellshocked Luiz Felipe Scolari has asked for forgiveness after he watched his side Brazil suffer their worst ever defeat. Humiliated on their own turf, Brazil were demolished by Germany who stormed into the final with an astonishing seven goal blitz.

Scolari pleaded: “We ask for forgiveness. To the people, please excuse us for the negative mistake. I am responsible for what the team does out on the pitch - and I am to blame for this result.” He then admitted that he was still unable to believe the result, adding: “I am in shock. I’m going to be remembered probably as the coach of Brazil’s worst defeat.” (Sun)

News in brief:

• Former Scotland international Stephen Crainey is on the hunt for a new club after being released by Wigan. (Express)

• Right-back David Gray is Alan Stubbs first signing, the former Manchester United player has penned a two-year deal at Easter Road. (Express)

• Arsenal are confident of concluding a deal for Alexis Sanchez by next week for a reputed £30 million. (Mail)

• Gareth Barry has signed on permanently at Everton in a three year deal. (Mail)

• Caley Thistle are keen on former Racing Santander striker John-Christophe Ayina who is on trial at the club but his agent has warned they will face stiff competition for his signature. (Mail)

Rumour mill: Benfica keen on Forster | Brown