Rumour mill: Commons deal | Zaliukas

Kris Commons' goals were vital for Celtic last season and saw him crowned double player of the year. Picture Robert Perry

Celtic boss Ronny Deila wants new deal for Kris Commons

Celtic manager Ronny Deila wants to secure Kris Commons on a new contract. The player, who was double player of the year last year, is in the final year of his current contract. Deila is a big admirer of the player, and is hoping he will continue the form that saw him score 32 goals last season. He said: “Commons is a very good player and the kind of guy we want to stay at the club. But everything has it’s price. I hope he can develop even more and have a similar season to the last one.” (Various)

Meanwhile, the manager has also set his sights on bringing in a striker and a wide man to Parkhead. Deila said: “It’s not easy and these things take time but we are working on it and this is a high priority now . We don’t have much time with the qualifiers coming very quickly. This squad has many good players and if we get them fit as possible and have a good chance. But we are looking to bring in other players as well.” (Record)

Marius Zaliukas set for Rangers

Rangers are set to complete the signing of Marius Zaliukas today. A deal was edging closer to completion last night with the Lithuanian defender now on the brink of joining the Ibrox team. The player is set to put pen to paper today and will more than likely join the rest of Ally McCoist’s squad on the plane to America tomorrow. However the Rangers manager has lost out on signing Don Cowie after the player decided to join Wigan. (Sun)

D-day for David Clarkson at Motherwell

David Clarkson will find out today if he has done enough to earn a return to Motherwell. The striker will hold crunch talks with Well gaffer Stuart McCall after coming through a full pre-season at Fir Park. Clarkson, who quit Bristol Rovers in May hopes to return to first club. McCall revealed no decision had yet been made, he said: “No decision’s been made yet , but I’ll speak to David in the next 24 hours and we will have a chat. He’s looked alright in pre-season.” (Sun)

Kevin Thomson lifts the lid on his time at Hibernian

New Dundee skipper has lifted the lid on his time at Hibs under Terry Butcher. The player said being slapped on the transfer list by then Easter Road boss Butcher back in January before being released following Hibs’ relegation was hard to take. Thomson said: “The hard thing at Hibs was I was going through a spell where I wasn’t enjoying going into training. Terry made it difficult for me but I just kept my head down and kept on working away.” (Sun)

News in brief:

• Raith Rovers have made a bid to sign former Dundee player Ryan Conroy. (Sun)

• Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald is running the rule over axed Wigan full-back Jordan Mustoe. (Sun)

• Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes has ended speculation about his future by signing a two-year extension at Blackburn. (Mail)

• Tom Rogic wants to bounce back at Celtic and prove to Ronny Deila he’s worth his place in the team. (Record)

• Alexis Sanchez had a medical yesterday and will sign for Arsenal for around £35 million. (Record)

Rumour mill: Commons deal | Zaliukas | Clarkson