Rumour Mill: Celtic title bid | Dave King | Hearts

THE build-up to Celtic’s first opportunity to clinch the league title begins, Rangers fans call for the board to take Dave King’s cash, and Hearts are backed to recover from their potential relegation, plus more in Wednesday’s Rumour Mill

Celtic manager Neil Lennon could see his side win the title tonight. Picture: PA

Lennon expecting Partick to fight title-chasing Celtic

CELTIC can clinch the SPFL Premiership title tonight by beating Partick Thistle, but Neil Lennon believes that the Jags will put up a fierce last stand to overcome.

Lennon said: “(Partick) have their own self-pride and pride in their club.

“And they have an agenda - to avoid second-bottom place. They are fighting for their lives so it is a not a foregone conclusion that the title will be wrapped up this week.” (Various)

County give Celtic “help” in title bid

ROSS County manager Derek Adams believes that his side have set up Celtic to secure the Premiership title at Firhill tonight.

Adams said after his side’s 1-1 draw against second-place Aberdeen: “We’ve moved a place up and closed the gap on a number of teams.

“We’ve obviously helped Celtic win the title. Neil Lennon will be happy at that.” (Sun)

Rangers, Dons ‘won’t flash cash to beat Celtic’

CELTIC boss Neil Lennon believes that neither Rangers nor Aberdeen will spend big in order to bridge the gap to the champions-elect.

Lennon said: “I think the owners of clubs are far too astute for spending big money... I think they will build brick by brick over maybe the course of two, three, four seasons and really try to close the gap.

“I can’t imagine clubs like Aberdeen or Rangers, at this stage, will start throwing millions of pounds at it.” (Scotsman)

Rangers fans want board to match King cash offer

THE board at Rangers should match or accept Dave King’s offer of up to £50 million in investment, according to the main umbrella group for the club’s fans.

The Union of Fans claim that Rangers has been “neglected”, and that King’s high-profile cash offer is vital to the club going forward.

Their statement reads: “We would now ask the board to indicate publicly, as a matter of urgency, whether they are prepared to accept Dave King’s offer of massive investment. The ball is firmly with the Rangers PLC board.” (Various)

McFadden could be keen on new Motherwell deal

FORMER Scotland attacker James McFadden is keen to stay at Fir Park after the end of the season - but is keeping his options open.

McFadden said: “I’m enjoying my football and we will see where it takes me.

“The club aren’t ready to speak to people yet. They need to sort out the budgets for next year and that’s fine… I’m happy here and I wouldn’t rule out staying.” (Record)

Jeffries backs Hearts to recover from drop

FORMER Hearts player and manager Jim Jeffries believes that the Tynecastle side will be boosted by a spell in the second tier.

Jeffries said: “Sometimes clubs can accept relegation but when you are at a club like Hearts it’s a sickening feeling, but all you want to do is put it right and bounce back quickly.

“I’m sure, if Hearts go down, that’s what they’ll do.” (P&J)