Rumour mill: Boyd | Robertson | Collins
Rangers in for Boyd
Kris Boyd could be in line for a sensational return to Rangers. The 30-year-old striker has apparently opened up negotiations with the Ibrox hierarchy in the past 24 hours, with manager Ally McCoist deciding to pursue the option of signing the former Kilmarnock top scorer. Talks are continuing and a decision is expected to be made in the next 48 hours. Boyd is not short of options with Kilmarnock trying to re-sign him and Aberdeen and Dundee United both chasing his signature, however it is believed Rangers have jumped to the front of the queue. (Various)
Dundee United knock back West Brom offer for Robertson
Dundee United have knocked back a £1 million-plus bid from West Brom for Andy Robertson. New Hawthorns manager Alan Irvine is expected to return with a fresh bid however, as he looks to strengthen his team. He will face stiff competition from other English Premiership clubs though as both Everton and Southampton are understood to be long term admirers of the youngster. Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson said: “After the financial restructuring we went through recently, we don’t have to sell anyone this summer. We’re trying to build something here. As with everyone else though, if someone comes in with a bid too good to refuse, we’d make a decision we felt was best for Dundee United. (Mail)
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Hide AdJohn Collins expects Celtic to shop for the best young Scots talent
John Collins has revealed he expects Celtic to sign young Scottish talent. Ronny Deila’s new number two says he believes there is a lot of great talent in both the SPFL Premiership and the Championship and the club will monitor both closely. Collins will urge his boss to look at Scottish talent such as Aberdeen’s Ryan Jack and Peter Pawlett, Dundee United’s Ryan Guald, John Souttar and Gary Mackay-Steven, St Johnstone striker Stevie May and John McGinn of St Mirren. He said: “Scotland is the first place you will look. You will try and pick the best talent from your league. If they are good enough and Scottish, then you want them to be playing for Celtic.” (Mail)
SPFL in sponsorship pledge
The SPFL is ‘confident’ new sponsors will be in place for all three flagship competitions by the time the season starts on July 26th. The SPFL have hired Scott Steedman- the former head of marketing at Southampton - as commercial director two months ago to try and secure these sponsors. The Championship will be an enticing prospect this season with Rangers, Hearts and Hibs taking part next season, though it is understood the Premiership takes priority. One bid for sponsorship of the main league has already apparently been rejected. (Express)
St Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 2 Aberdeen
Aberdeen seemed a little rusty in their first friendly in the lead up to their Europa League adventure. The Reds had to stage a second half comeback against the Irish team, who were 2 - 0 up at half time. The Irish champions, who are 17 games into their season, gained the lead through goals from Mark Quigley and Chris Forrester, before Aberdeen fought back in the second half with strikes by Adam Rooney and Nial McGinn earning the Scots a hard fought draw. (Mail)
News in brief:
• Miroslav Klose moved to joint top goal of the World Cup all time top scorers league last night after scoring to rescue a point against Ghana. The Germans were close to suffering a shock defeat when Klose’s equaliser secured a 2-2 draw. (Mail)
• Gary Locke has said that he isn’t bitter towards Hearts after he was axed by their new regime last month. He said: “It was unfortunate what happened but there’s no point being resentful.” (Mail)
• Summer football is back up for debate as Scottish football considers switching to seasons running from March to November. SFA President Campbell Ogilvie believes it is the natural progression for football in this country. (Post)
• Paul Kane has insisted Alan Stubbs’ appointment as Hibernian boss will have no impact on his Petrie Out campaign. (Sun)
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