Rumour Mill: John Eustace | Virgil van Dijk | Ikechi Anya

Rangers offer captaincy to John Eustace, Norwich set to bid for Virgil van Dijk and Celtic priced out of market for ANya and Fletcher.

Scotland's Ikechi Anya on the ball. Picture: SNS

Rangers set to make move for John Eustace

Mark Warburton wants to make veteran midfielder John Eustace the next captain of Rangers. The 35 year-old is in Glasgow next week for talks with the free agent who is also being chased by Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday since leaving Derby. (Record)

Norwich set to bid £8m for van Dijk

Norwich City are preparing a bid of £8 million for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk.

The 6’4’ Dutch Centre has made 71 appearances for the Parkhead side having joined for £2.6m in 2013 and was voted player of the season at the first time of asking. (Sun)

- Celtic assistant manager John Collins believes Virgil van Dijk is now the best central defender in Europe.

Southampton, Sunderland and Arsenal have all been linked with the £10million-rated Dutchman, who was quoted last week as saying it may be time for him to leave Scottish football. (Mail)

Dundee United to stand by Ciftci

Jackie McNamara says he will stand by Nadir Ciftci over the player’s biting charge but said that he was powerless to prevent the Celtic target being sold. Ciftci is allged to have bitten Dundee’s Jim McAlister on the final day of the Premiership season. His case will be held on July 20. (Mail)

Celtic target Spanish striker

Celtic are among the clubs interested in former Real Madrid youth striker Fran Sol.

The 23-year-old Villarreal player, who would be available for a nominal fee, is attracting interest from a clutch of Championship sides including Charlton, Preston North End, Brentford and Bristol City. (Various)

Celtic priced out of market

Celtic will not be making bids for Scotland forwards Steven Fletcher and Ikechi Anya - because they cannot afford their huge wages.

Reports have suggested the Parkhead club are keen on Sunderland hitman Fletcher and Watford winger Anya.

But Hoops assistant boss John Collins confirmed Ronny Deila will not be able to cover Fletcher’s £45,000 a week wages.

Anya, now on top-flight terms after the Hornets’ promotion to the Barclays Premier League, is also earning too much to make him a realistic target, according to Collins. (Scotsman)

John Collins calls for Champions League change

John Collins has called for a change to the Champions League qualifying system which he insists currently sees Celtic being penalised for the failures of their fellow Scottish clubs.

For the third successive season, Celtic must negotiate three qualifying rounds if they are to reach the lucrative group stage of Europe’s elite club tournament. (Scotsman)

Martin Boyle signs for Hibs

Martin Boyle was yesterday unveiled as the club’s latest summer signing, penning a two-year deal after rejecting the opportunity to extend his three-year stay at Dundee. (Scotsman)

Teemu Pukki leaves Celtic

Celtic striker Teemu Pukki has sealed a permanent switch to Brondby after last year’s loan stint with the Danish club.

The Finland international failed to impress after joining the Parkhead club from German side Schalke 04 in 2013.(Scotsman)

Mark Durnan signs for Dundee United

Dundee United new recruit Mark Durnan last night revealed how he turned down more cash elsewhere so that he can build a golden future for himself at Tannadice.

Durnan, 22, has joined Jackie McNamara’s side after United paid £40,000 compensation to secure his services on a three-year deal from Championship outfit Queen of the South. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

- John Guidetti says he would welcome a move to Serie A having left Celtic following his loan spell