Rumour Mill: Ibrox naming rights | Celtic | Hibs

Mike Ashley bought Ibrox naming rights for just £1; van Dijk eyes Netherlands debut as Villarreal beat Celtic 4-2 in Spain and Paul Kane pushes for community takeover at Hibs
Rangers investor Mike Ashley could, in theory, rename Ibrox the 'Sport Direct Arena' tomorrow. Picture: Gary HutchisonRangers investor Mike Ashley could, in theory, rename Ibrox the 'Sport Direct Arena' tomorrow. Picture: Gary Hutchison
Rangers investor Mike Ashley could, in theory, rename Ibrox the 'Sport Direct Arena' tomorrow. Picture: Gary Hutchison

Ibrox ‘could be renamed Sport Direct Arena tomorrow’

RANGERS investor Mike Ashley bought the naming rights to Ibrox stadium for just £1, it has been revealed.

The Newcastle United owner struck a deal with Charles Green two years ago and as such can rename the Gers stadium ‘at the drop of a hat’.

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News of the deal emerged during an interview conducted by the Daily Record with Rangers director Sandy Easdale.

Although the bus tycoon refused to discuss details, the Record are reporting that Green sold the rights for just £1, before spending up to £250,000 in legal fees in an attempt to rip the contract up.

But the interview also reveals that Ashley has been blocked from buying more shares thanks to SFA rules preventing him from owning more than 10 per cent of any Scottish club. (Daily Record)

Van Dijk eyes Netherlands debut

VIRGIL van Dijk is hopeful of making his international debut for the Netherlands when they take on Italy in Bari.

The 23-year-old Dutch star had to leave the Netherlands’ training base for the birth of his daughter, but with a healthy baby daughter delivered, van Dijk is expected to slot into central defence in the absence of Ron Vlaar.

The Celtic stopper was left out of the 1-1 draw with Dundee amid transfer speculation. (Evening Times)

Marvellous Moreno scores 4 in 25 mins as Villarreal defeat Celtic

VILLARREAL striker Gerard Moreno netted an astonishing four goals in 25 minutes at El Madrigal last night as Celtic went down 4-2 in a charity match.

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Beram Kayal and Jo Inge Berget were on the scoresheet for a largely second-string Celtic side, who gave starts to Leigh Griffiths, Lukasz Zaluska, Derk Boerrigter, Emilio Izaguirre as well as Kayal and Berget.

Ex-Barcelona midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos orchestrated things from the middle of the park while a number of Hoops youngsters were given a taste of the action.

Calvin Miller, Regan Hendry, Dan Higgins, Jack Breslin, Jamie McCart and Leo Fasan were all given game time. (Various)

Paul Kane ‘ready to launch’ community takeover at Hibs

FORMER Hibs midfielder Paul Kane has revealed he is ready to launch a community-based takeover of the club he describes as being ‘on its knees’.

Kano, who made over 300 appearances for the Easter Road side, told The Scotsman that supporters will have the ultimate say in whether he pushes forward with his plans to prompt a change in power at the club.

New chief executive Leeann Dempster has already expressed willing to work towards community ownership.

“This is a pivotal moment in Hibs’ history. The club is on its knees and our fear is it will sink even lower. We didn’t think the mismanagement could get any worse, but it has,” said Kane.

“The current Hibernian board have offered nothing that suggests that they can implement positive change and get Hibs back to where we belong.” (The Scotsman)

Gauld in Sporting Lisbon Champions League squad

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RYAN Gauld has been named in Sporting Lisbon’s Champions League squad just weeks after being moved to the Portuguese club’s B team.

And the former Dundee United midfielder could face Chelsea after being named in Marco Silva’s 25-man squad.

Uefa confirmed Gauld’s inclusion yesterday.

Sporting are also due to face Schalke and NK Maribor, who knocked out Celtic in the play-offs. (BBC)

Toshney fails to win Hearts deal

FORMER Celtic defender Lewis Toshney will not be joining Robbie Neilson’s revolution at Hearts after the Tynecastle club opted not to offer the 22-year-old a contract.

Toshney had been training with the Jambos following his release from Celtic during the summer, having made just one first-team appearance.

He has also spent time on loan at Kilmarnock and Dundee. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

Owain Tudur Jones is set to join ex-Hibs team-mates Alan Maybury and Tom Taiwo at Falkirk after cancelling his Easter Road contract by mutual consent

• Steven Naismith is the right man to lead Scotland’s attack against Germany, according to former international Alan McInally

• Argentina exacted some revenge for their World Cup final defeat last night against Germany, winning 4-2