Rumour Mill: Celtic | Rangers | Lech Poznan

Celtic manager Neil Lennon hits out at critics “nipping” at his team because of their dislike of him, while claims of new evidence emerge to cast doubt on the investigation into business dealings between Craig Whyte and Charles Green at Rangers.

Allan McGregor: Moving on from Besiktas after just one season. Picture: Contributed

Critics say Barca was fluke because they don’t like me - Lennon

Neil Lennon has called for his team to be shown more respect after securing a league and cup double. The Celtic manager also hit out at critics who questioned his side, saying that criticism of the team is a smokescreen for dislike of Lennon himself.

“This was a nice way to finish,” said Lennon. “It was important to win another trophy, because, if we hadn’t, then it’s a single-trophy year.

“And the Champions League seems so far away in some people’s eyes. I hear ‘it was lucky’, you get that thrown at you.

“I’m fed up with people nipping at the team. They might nip at the team because of me. because they object to me or they don’t like me. It doesn’t matter. This team deserves a bit of respect because they have been wonderful and I’m really proud of them.” (The Sun)

Aleksander Tonev close to £2m Celtic deal

Celtic are close to signing a deal to secure winger Aleksander Tonev from Lech Poznan. The Polish side are understood to have agreed to sell Tonev, a Bulgarian international with 11 caps to his name. The midfielder has been monitored by several sides on the continent, including Lazio, Fiorentina, Werder Bremen and Malaga, but Tonev looks set for Parkhead after declaring his interest in moving to Glasgow.

“It’s important I consistently play Champions League football. Celtic is somewhere I could achieve that.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Rogne is looking for a new club as the expiration of his contract looms. The defender did not feature in the Scottish Cup final squad and is set to be moved on by Lennon. (Daily Record, Daily Express)

‘New evidence’ surfaces in Rangers investigation

An investigation looking into links between former Rangers chief executive Charles Green and Craig Whyte may be delayed after claims from Whyte’s camp that fresh evidence will cast doubt on Green’s account of the affair. The report, compiled by QC Roy Martin, is expected to be published in the next 48 hours, but Worthingon Group plc - the company pursuing Whyte’s claim - have promised to produce prima facie evidence of links between Green and Whyte.

A leak of the report suggests Green will be cleared of wrongdoing, after which he could be free to return to the Rangers board. (Daily Mail)

Lech Poznan to swoop for Henrik Ojamaa and Barry Douglas

Polish side Lech Poznan are making a double bid for SPL stars as Motherwell’s Henrik Ojamaa may be joining Dundee United left-back Barry Douglas, who is set to join on a free transfer from Tannadice. Ojamaa was the subject of a January bid from the Polish side, and will now consider assembling a £400,000 package to tempt the Estonian international from Fir Park. (Daily Express)

West Ham swoop for Allan McGregor

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor is set for the Premiership as West Ham attempt to tie up a £2 million deal. The 31-year-old has only spent one season in Turkey since his move to Besiktas from Rangers, but the club are understood to be willing to part ways with him, with only a year left on his contract. Manager Sam Allardyce will look to McGregor to provide competition to Jussi Jaaskelainen. (The Sun)

Rangers set to unveil Nicky Clark

Nicky Clark will clinch a deal with Rangers as the striker nears an agreement to sign a three-year deal. The 21-year-old Queen of the South striker, who scored 41 goals for the side this season, will be Rangers’ fourth signing after Cammy Bell, Nicky Law and Jon Daly. Motherwell’s Chris Humphrey is also understood to be in talks about signing on at Ibrox. (The Sun)