Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Finnbogason and O’Connor | Mike Ashley loan

Celtic could rekindle their interest in Alfred Finnbogason. Picture: Getty Images

Celtic on Finnbogason alert

CELTIC could revive their interest in Alfred Finnbogason, with the Icelandic striker struggling to make an impression at Real Sociedad and loan side Olympiacos, who look set to send him back to the Basque Country.

The 26-year-old has managed just four goals in 27 appearances for Sociedad, and just two in 11 for the Greek outfit.

But the self-confessed Hibs fan could pitch up at Celtic if the Hoops decide to reignite their interest, with Sociedad believed to be weighing up another loan move or a cheap sale of Finnbogason. (Daily Record)

Hoops eye Limerick youngster

CELTIC are reportedly keeping tabs on Limerick defender Paudie O’Connor.

The 18-year-old made his first team bow while still at school and has impressed in the Shannonsiders’ defence.

Celtic last raided the Irish leagues for attacker Michael Duffy, currently on loan at Alloa. (Scottish Sun)

Rangers ‘are settling Sports Direct loan’

RANGERS director Paul Murray insists the club is in the process of settling its £5 million Sports Direct debt.

Lawyers representing the Ibrox outfit claimed in a London courtroom last week that Mike Ashley’s retail firm had had the loan taken out by the club’s former regime repaid.

But the claim was shot down 24 hours later by Ashley’s QC - raising further doubts about Rangers’ financial state.

However, Murray said the money raised by himself, chairman Dave King and investors Douglas Park, George Letham, George Taylor and John Bennett is now ready to be handed over. (The Scotsman)

Celtic consider legal action against flare fans

CELTIC are considering legal action against fans who set off flares in Turkey after UEFA opened fresh disciplinary proceedings.

The club have issued indefinite bans to two supporters following incidents during their final Europa League game of the season, last Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce.

And Celtic have been hit with two charges by UEFA, one for the lighting of fireworks by away fans and another for improper conduct of the team, which was automatically sparked by their card count of five yellows. (The Scotsman)

Warburton backs 16-team league

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton has urged Scotland’s biggest clubs to put self-interest to one side after backing calls for a 16-team top flight.

The Ibrox manager echoed Falkirk boss Peter Houston’s appeals for the Scottish Professional Football League to consider expanding the current 12-team Ladbrokes Premiership.

The Englishman reckons a bigger top division will allow managers to blood more youngsters as well as freshening up a system he believes is in danger of going stale as sides are forced to play one another up to four times a season.

But he warned change will only be possible if chairmen are prepared to deal with a short-term drop in income. (The Scotsman)

Stubbs hints at ‘big name’ signing

ALAN Stubbs yesterday hinted that Hibernian could pull a rabbit out of the hat in January, as the Easter Road boss seeks two signings in the next window.

Stubbs is after a striker and a defender, but said yesterday: “What I am potentially looking to bring in... might be quite exciting and could surprise a few people. I like to pull rabbits out of the hat, you know that. So you can wait with bated breath.” (Evening News)

Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Finnbogason and O’Connor | Mike Ashley loan | Celtic may sue fans