Rumour mill: Celtic eye Atsu | Nerlinger

Derk Boerrigter, who has started three of Celtic's four friendlies, believes he will reignite his Celtic career this season. Picture: TSPL

Celtic bid to take Chelsea and World Cup star Christian Atsu on loan

Celtic are poised to join the race to lure Ghana’s World Cup winger Christian Atsu from Chelsea on a loan deal. Celtic manager Ronny Deila has confirmed that Celtic are interested in a wide man and it’s thought the 22-year-old who spent last term on loan at Vitesse Arhhem in Holland is the perfect answer. Celtic who were originally linked with the player before he moved from Porto to Chelsea last year, are hoping the lure of Champion’s League football may be a big draw for the player. Atsu had a successful loan spell in Holland with five goals in 28 appearances but has ruled out a return to the Eredivisie. (Mail)

Christian Nerlinger says no to job at Rangers

Christian Nerlinger has snubbed the chance to return to Rangers as the club’s new football operations officer. The German, 41, who played for Rangers between 2001 and 2004, held talks with chief executive Graham Wallace. Nerlinger held a similar post at Bayern Munich but it’s understood the former midfielder was concerned by the ongoing financial crisis at his old club. (Record)

Dundee topple Manchester city

Dundee have managed to defeat Manchester City in aglamour friendly at Dens Park, with the Dark blue’s trialists stealing the show. Germans Thomas Konrad, who played in defence, and Luka Tankulic who grabbed the second goal, both impressed Paul Hartley who said they ‘did well’. Gary Harkins had scored the opener following a penalty rebound before Tankulic volleyed home for the win. City stars such as Nasri, Navas and Algredo all featured. (Various)

Derk Boerrigter vows to reignite his Celtic career

Derk Boerrigter has vowed to get his Celtic career flying this season after stalling with injuries in his first season at the Hoops. The winger who was once branded ‘sick note’ by Ajax manager Frank De Boer, struggled to impress last season making just eight starts. However, this season he has already started in three out of four of Celtic’s friendlies. Boerrigter said: “I was never 100 per cent fit so if I played there was always something pulling me back. It was like playing with the handbrake on. Finally the handbrake is off and I want to keep progressing. Hopefully, I can show my true abilities here at Celtic.” (Record)

Nicky Clark vows to fight for place in Rangers team

Nicky Clark insists he won’t play second fiddle to top guns Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd this term. The former Queen of the South ace realises he’s in a fight for the striker position as Ally McCoist has no shortage of options up front. Clark will also face stiff competition from seasoned veterans John Daly and Dean Shiels. Clark says he won’t go in feeling like an understudy. He said: “You can’t afford to think like that. You need to be wanting to play every weekend that’s certainly my mindset. Rangers are a massive club and I want to be wearing that jersey every week so I will be working my hardest to make sure that happens.” (Record)

News in brief:

• South Africa Benni McCarthy put on the colours of Whitehill Welfare as a guest player in a friendly against Hamilton. He thrilled fans by getting on the score sheet. (Record)

• Ryan Guald has won his first trophy at Sporting Lisbon, the youngster came off the bench to help the Portuguese team win the Pedro Pauleta Trophy. (Record)

• Neil Alexander reckons Hearts have found the perfect physical presence up front in Osman Sow. The 6ft 4in striker netted the third in Saturday’s friendly. (Mail)

• Gronigen have suffered an injury blow ahead of their Euro tie with Aberdeen after summer signings Jarchinio Antonia and Martjin Van Der Laan picked up groin injuries. (Mail)

Rumour mill: Celtic eye Atsu | Nerlinger | Dundee