Rumour Mill: El Hadji Diouf refused Neil Lennon shirt | Libor Kozak free to join Celtic | Numan tips Rangers for title

El Hadji Diouf says he refused to give his shirt to Neil Lennon when he played for Liverpool, Aston Villa say Libor Kozak is free to decide his next move and Arthur Numan says he was impressed by Rangers when he watched their victory over Hibs.

Celtic`s Neil Lennon holds off Liverpools El-Hadji Diouf in 2003

Diouf refused shirt swap with Neil Lennon

Former Rangers striker El Hadji Diouf claims ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon once asked for his shirt when he was at Liverpool.

In an interview with French publication So Foot, Diouf explains that after the game, Lennon asked to trade shirts with him, and he refused.

Arthur Numan in action for Rangers against Ayr in 2002. Picture: TSPL

He insists he does not regret his snub, and has no positive feelings towards the current Bolton Wanderers boss.

He said: “At the end of the Liverpool-Celtic game in the UEFA Cup he asked me for my shirt but I never gave it to him.

“I would still not give him it today.”

“I didn’t know Neil Lennon but saw his face and have always hated him. He was at Celtic and I was at Rangers and the two clubs were at war with each other. He is a d***head and I’ve never liked him.” (So Foot)

Kozak to decide on Celtic move

Aston Villa say striker Libor Kozak can decide if he wants to join Celtic next month.

Celtic have had the Czech watched in recent weeks but face competition from Birmingham and Polish side Piast Gliwice.

Kozak cost £7m when bought from Lazio in 2013 but has only made 14 appearances and scored four goals. (Sun)

Davie Hay: Celtic need to splash cash on stars for Euro zone

“The transfer window swings open again tomorrow, but while Ronny Deila has said that there is money there to spend, I would imagine that unless we are talking about players who can be signed with a view of making it into the Champions League, then there is no urgency.

Celtic are strong enough to do what they need to in Scotland. They have a strong enough pool, in my view, to go on and land a Treble this season.

But where they need resources and players to come in and bolster the current squad is when it comes to the summer and the Champions League qualifiers.” (Evening Times)

Numan tips Rangers for Championship

Arthur Numan says Rangers showed why they will win the Championship through the manner in which they defeated title rivals Hibs.

The former Ibrox player, who is now a scout for Dutch side AZ, was in the stand as a fan and said he was “impressed” by

Mark Warburton’s side. (Sun)

Naismith to hold talks over Norwich move

Steven Naismith will hold talks with Roberto Martinez over a potential January transfer window move to Norwich City.

Naismith has rarely featured for Everton this season and is keen for a move. (Sun)

Barry Douglas given new Poznan deal

Former Dundee United defender Barry Douglas has been offered a new deal with Polish champions Lech Poznan.

The 26 year-old, who has been linked with a move to Celtic, moved to Poland two years ago and has become a key player.

He has been offered a two year deal. (Sun)

David Gray a doubt for Hibs

David Gray is a major doubt for Hibs’ clash with Raith Rovers after suffering a head knock against Rangers.

Alan Stubbs pulled Gray off at half time at Ibrox and says he will not risk the player again until he is fully fit. (Sun)

Rangers condemn fans’ ‘inappropriate singing’

Rangers have condemned “inappropriate singing” by a minority of their supporters during Monday’s home win over Hibernian.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ibrox club pledged to help the police identify the culprits. They also reminded supporters of the club’s zero tolerance policy to anti-scoial behaviour.

(Scotsman)

Cat invades Tynecastle during Hearts v Dundee Utd

Curious supporters spotted a cat slinking its way around the outside of the Tynecastle pitch during Hearts 3-2 victory over Dundee United.

While making its way around the turf, the furry pitch invader would have witnessed further defensive catastrophes from Mixu Paatelainen’s visitors, particularly during a scatty opening half.

(Scotsman)

Fraser Fyvie accepts 2-match ban for ‘feigning injury’ in Halliday clash

Hibs midfielder Fraser Fyvie will miss Saturday’s Championship clash with Raith Rovers and the Scottish Cup tie against the Kirkcaldy club the following week after being hit by a two-match ban.

(Scotsman)

Dundee bid to save derby as Celtic clash is rained off

Dundee say they will work round the clock to ensure their derby clash with Dundee United goes ahead on Saturday.

The Dens Park club were left frustrated yesterday when their televised match with Celtic was called off because of a waterlogged pitch following an inspection

by referee Willie Collum at 1.15pm. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen miss chance to go top

Aberdeen start the New Year as joint Premiership leaders on points but failed once again to fully exploit the situation after Storm Frank gave them the chance to blow Ronny Deila’s side off the top.

The Dons could only draw with Partick Thistle at Pittodrie. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has confirmed an interest in Hibs striker Jason Cummings