Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Nadir Ciftci

Celtic are eyeing up a move for Nadir Ciftci

Celtic could make a move in January for Dundee United star Nadir Ciftci as Ronny Deila seeks to add bolster his strikeforce.

The Sun are reporting that the Turkish striker has caught the eye of the Celtic manager after a string of good performances.

The player, who can play as a striker or attacking midfielder, has put in a string of glittering performances this season including one against Celtic. With Celtic struggling for goals, Ronny Deila has actively begun searching for a striker and it is believed that Ciftci is on his radar. (The Sun)

Rangers board actively seeking alternative investment

The under-fire Rangers board are still actively seeking alternative investment – despite the fact a rescue bid from a Douglas Park-led consortium has been tabled.

The Light Blues’ hierarchy has approached several parties in recent days in a bid to try to raise the money they need to keep the club afloat for the season.

Express Sport is reporting that Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy has knocked back an approach from the troubled Championship club to put up the money because he didn’t see it as a financially viable proposition.

Club directors are also in talks with several other individuals and close sources have refused to dismiss the possibility of the Easdale brothers, Sandy and James, increasing their shareholding or Sports Direct owner and shareholder Mike Ashley providing further crisis loans.

The problem for the Park consortium is that any new shares need to be offered to existing shareholders and if, as expected, many take their options up then it would dilute their power and offer. (Daily Express)

Neil Lennon to step up bid for Kris Commons

Bolton boss Neil Lennon will this week step up his efforts to sign Kris Commons from Celtic.

Commons has become an increasingly peripheral figure under Ronny Deila and again had to be content with a place on the bench in Saturday’s goalless draw with Ross County at Parkhead.

Celtic maintain that contract talks with Commons and his representative are on-going but, as yet, there has been no breakthrough to keep the player in Glasgow beyond the summer.

Lennon is prepared to sign Commons on a pre-contract agreement but would prefer to pay a fee for him next month.

And, although his preference is to stay in Glasgow, the offer of long-term stability south of the border looks set to take the former Stoke, Nottingham Forest and Derby player back there. (Daily Mail)

Rangers linked with Atletico winger Cristian Rodriguez

RANGERS have been linked with a move for Uruguayan winger Cristian ‘Onion’ Rodriguez.

The 29-year-old is set to leave the Spanish club in January, after making 58 appearances since arriving on a free in 2012 from Porto, and has been linked with QPR as well.

Rodriguez, who has 83 caps for Uruguay, has previously played for Peñarol in Uruguay; PSG, Benfica and Porto.

He picked up a €45,000 fine in February 2014 for his part in a tunnel brawl as Porto played Benfica in 2009. (AS)

Kenny McDowall: I’m glad we kept it to 4-0

Rangers suffered their heaviest domestic defeat in 14 years on Saturday and a worst loss to Hibernian since 1941, but shell-shocked caretaker manager Kenny McDowall has admitted the scoreline could have been far worse than 4-0.

McDowall told the Rangers website: “The only positive I can take at this moment is that we managed to keep it to four but we’ll analyse the game next week. I’m disappointed for the support who came all this way and we’ve let them down. (The Scotsman)

Peter Pawlett avoids talk of Aberdeen title chase

Peter Pawlett insists Aberdeen will shut out all talk of toasting New Year’s Day by knocking Celtic off top spot.

The Aberdeen match-winner in yesterday’s 1-0 Premiership victory over Inverness Caley Thistle is refusing to get carried away amid a storming run of eight wins and eight clean sheets from the last nine league games. The star avoided talk of a title chase, he said: “We just want to improve on last year and beat our points tally. The manager keeps drilling it into us that we can’t get ahead of ourselves and we have to take it one game at a time as every match is a different challenge.” (The Scotsman)

Bradford chase Inverness CT star Billy McKay

Bradford City are determined to beat Peterborough United and Hearts to the signature of Inverness star Billy McKay.

The English League One outfit, who had the striker watched in yesterday’s loss to Aberdeen, have confirmed their interest in the Northern Ireland cap and will likely make their move when his contract ends in the summer.

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson could yet bid for the 26-year-old next month, although they are likely to have more success come the end of the campaign. (Daily Express)

Ian Durrant banished from Murray Park

Rangers legend Ian Durrant has been pushed further into the cold by the current board – after being banished from Murray Park.

Already demoted to take charge of the under-20s in a reshuffle enforced by directors following Ally McCoist’s departure, the former first-team coach – replaced by close pal Gordon Durie – has been told to stay away from the club completely for two weeks. (Daily Mail)

Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Nadir Ciftci | Rangers