Rumour Mill: Celtic target Libor Kozak | Deila sack petition

Celtic target Aston Villa’s Libor Kozak

Celtic are set to move for out-of-favour Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak.

The Czech Republic international has failed to impress Villa boss Remi Garde and has been told he can leave in the January transfer window. (Express)

Derek Riordan hits out as he fails to find new club

Former Hibs and Celtic star Derek Riordan says someone has it in for him as rumours have scuppered moves to a string of new clubs.

He claims Gordon Strachan had it in for him and his public image is at odds with how he acts in the dressing room.

Riordan says he could still cut it at a Premiership or Championship side. (Record)

Brown slams Deila sacking petition

Scott Brown last night told everyone at Celtic that a historic Treble-winning season would silence the club’s critics.

The captain was speaking on the same day an online petition, signed by around 200 people purporting to be Celtic fans, demanded Ronny Deila be sacked. (Evening Times)

Hearts renew interest in midfielder Aymen Belaid

Tunisian midfielder Aymen Belaid is once again attracting interest from Hearts after the Levski Sofia player turned down a new deal to stay with the Bulgarian club.

Levski’s manager confirmed the player is “in talks with a team in Scotland” after rejecting a contract extension. (Daily Record)

Neil Lennon remains as Bolton manager

Neil Lennon will remain in charge of Sky Bet Championship club Bolton after they concluded their internal investigation into allegations made in a newspaper article.

Wanderers announced on Sunday that they would look into a report about Lennon’s private life that appeared in the Sunday Mirror. (Various)

Axe looming for Manchester United boss van Gaal

Louis van Gaal is close to being sacked by Manchester United following talks with senior executives. Jose Mourinho is already the bookies favourite to replace him. (Sun)

Scott Brown targets February return

Scott Brown travelled to England last week for a medical appointment he feared might signal the end of his season.

He headed home buoyed by fresh hope and ambition that it might instead be a campaign when he becomes only the third Celtic captain in the club’s history to lead a treble-winning side. (Scotsman)

Hibs star Darren Jackson declared bankrupt

Former Hibernian star Darren Jackson has been made bankrupt with debts of £270,000.

The former striker, who also played for Celtic and Dundee United, was declared insolvent after failing to settle large bills.

The majority of the cash is owed to the taxman and relates to investments made in a film production scheme. (Scotsman)

Rangers can’t ignore Hibs - Stubbs

Alan Stubbs has told Rangers they cannot ignore his Hibernian side now – not that he believes they ever did.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton has consistently stated that he is not concerned with other clubs in the Ladbrokes Championship and is only focused on his team. (Scotsman)

12 stars Premiership clubs must keep in January

There’s nothing worse than losing a beloved player, unless such a transfer happens in January. Here’s one player that each Premiership team must hold on to beyond the upcoming window. (Scotsman)

Hearts need ‘right level of hostility’

John Colquhoun has urged supporters to ensure Sunday’s powderkeg showdown between Hearts and Celtic doesn’t boil over.

The two teams have developed one of the most toxic rivalries in Scottish football, with several unsavoury off-field incidents plaguing the fixture in recent seasons. (Edinburgh Evening News)

David Hopkin in charge for next Livingston matches

Livingston have confirmed that assistant manager David Hopkin will take charge of the club’s forthcoming matches against St Mirren and Falkirk.

Rumour Mill: Celtic target Libor Kozak | Deila sack petition | Derek Riordan hits back