Rumour Mill: James Rodriguez | Samaras

Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez. Picture: Getty

Celtic ‘tried to sign James Rodriguez in 2011’

FORMER Celtic manager Neil Lennon has claimed that the club made enquiries to sign Colombia superstar James Rodriguez three years ago - only to be warned off with a £15 million price tag.

Rodriguez, who scored six goals in five games for the World Cup quarter-finalists, starred in the Toulon tournament in 2011 and Lennon made an approach to sign up the attacker.

Lennon told the Sunday Post: “I obviously liked what I saw in him, so we inquired about him. He was just 19 at the time, so when we were quoted £15 million to sign him you will understand why it didn’t get past first base.” (Sunday Post)

Ryan Gauld ‘could be sensational’ says new team-mate

SPORTING Lisbon’s Carlos Mane believes that Ryan Gauld can be a star for the Portuguese side if he can come close to matching his nickname of ‘Mini-Messi’.

Mane believes that even if Gauld is half as good as Messi, he will be “sensational”.

Mane said: “It’s not good for any player to be compared with another, especially someone like Messi who is unique. But if Gauld reaches 50 per cent of the level of Messi, it will be sensational for us.” (Sunday Mail)

Celtic’s Deila open to bringing back Samaras

RONNY Deila has admitted that Celtic could re-sign Greek international Georgios Samaras, just weeks after the club allowed his contract to expire.

Deila said: “He had a great career at Celtic but we will see. We will look at the whole picture and see if we will go back to Samaras.

“I have not decided yet... I never close the door on anything.” (Sun)

Rangers set to sign up Zaliukas

ALLY McCoist appears set to snap up former Hearts centre-back Marius Zaliukas later this week.

Zaliukas, 30, is currently without a club after his Leeds United contract was cancelled. Zaliukas would be Rangers’ fourth summer signing after Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller and Darren McGregor.

McCoist said: “(Zaliukas) looks fine in training and we like the look of him as a player.” (Sunday Mail)

Aberdeen in line for Goodwillie

FORMER Dundee United star David Goodwillie could be set to sign for Aberdeen, according to The Sun.

The Dons are keen to snap up the centre forward after failing in a bid to sign him during the January transfer window.

Goodwillie scored 32 goals in 136 games during two spells at Tannadice, and scored on his only appearance for the national team against Spain three years ago. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: James Rodriguez | Samaras | Rangers