Rumour Mill: John Guidetti | Rangers

John Guidetti is reportedly keen on a return to Feyenoord. Picture: Getty

Guidetti keen on Feyenoord return

CELTIC striker John Guidetti is reportedly keen on a return to the Netherlands, according to Dutch sources.

The Swedish forward has been quoted as saying he wants to return to Feyenoord, where he bagged 20 goals in 23 games during a loan spell three years ago.

The Rotterdam-based club attempted to bring Guidetti back to the Eredivisie, but concerns over his fitness saw them pull out.

When Celtic signed a year-long loan deal with Manchester City for the 22-year-old, the contract included an agreed fee paving the way for the Hoops to sign the striker on a permanent basis.

But Guidetti has so far refused to put pen to paper, and in an interview with a Dutch TV station said in response to a question about returning to Feyenoord: “Nothing would be better than that. I want to go back to Feyenoord, and perhaps as soon as possible.” (Daily Record)

Celtic sign bumper new kit deal

CELTIC have signed a bumper new kit deal with US sports firm New Balance.

The Hoops struck a multi-million pound deal with the Boston-based company to replace Nike from the start of the 2015/16 season.

Believed to be the biggest kit contract in Celtic’s history, it will outdo the decade-long deal with Nike, who paid the Hoops £5m a year to make their shirts.

The new deal should land Celtic a hefty cash boost in the summer.

Celtic join Stoke, Porto and Sevilla who have all signed deals with New Balance. (The Sun)

Gordon in line for revamped deal at Celtic

CELTIC are keen to hand Craig Gordon a long-term deal at Parkhead - to ward off Chelsea.

The Blues were yesterday reported to be eyeing up the No 1 as a summer signing to provide back-up to Thibaut Courtois - but the Hoops are anxious not to lose one of their key performers.

And Celtic are said to be desperate to tie up the former Hearts goalkeeper on a longer deal, even though Gordon has two years left on his current contract.

Ronny Deila said: “Craig is a great keeper and we want to keep him at the club. We will do everything to keep him here.

“I understand why other clubs are looking at him because he’s had a fantastic season. I don’t want to sell him.

“I want him here for the rest of his career. Hopefully it can happen.” (The Sun)

King’s claims rebuffed by Rangers board

RANGERS have insisted Friday’s EGM will go ahead, despite Dave King claiming he was informed by the current regime that he had secured a “landslide victory” in his bid to seize control.

King yesterday released a statement in which he accused remaining directors, Derek Llambias and Barry Leach, of clinging on to their positions in an attempt to ensure they each bag a sizeable pay-off.

But the embattled Rangers regime responded before close of business, issuing a statement to the stock exchange which claimed King is premature in claiming success, suggesting some shareholders may change their proxy votes by personal attendance at the meeting. (The Scotsman)

Mike Ashley fined £7500 for SFA breach

MIKE Ashley has been fined £7,500 by the SFA after being found guilty of breaching their regulations on dual interest in football clubs with his involvement in Rangers.

The punishment barely amounts to even a slap on the wrists for the Newcastle United owner, whose personal fortune of £3.3bn saw him named the 306th richest man in the world by Forbes.

Ashley did not personally attend the hearing. The 50-year-old Sports Direct tycoon was represented by members of his legal team. (Various)

Thompson explains sale of Armstrong and Mackay-Steven

DUNDEE United chairman Stephen Thompson has admitted selling Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong wasn’t the best footballing decision but insists the transfer fee received for both players will help the Tannadice club.

Thompson said: “There is no doubt from a football point of view that it was not the right thing to do. I admit that and it’s been hard for a lot of people to accept.

“But we have financial obligations to do the right thing for the club. Once all the transfer fees are in we will be down to about £1.3m of debt, so the club is going in the right direction.

“I understand the fans’ frustration, but I need to make sure this club is here for many years to come.” (Daily Record)

Liam Craig eyes new Hibs deal

HIBERNIAN midfielder Liam Craig is hopeful of agreeing a new deal with the Easter Road side.

The Hibs skipper is ready to sign a new contract after experiencing what he called the toughest season of his career.

He told the Evening News: “Last year was probably the toughest of my career, but this is a great club. Now it has a great management team and we have a great dressing room.

“I heard Scott Allan after [the Alloa game] saying it was one of the best he has been in and I would echo that because it is a great bunch of boys as you can see by the way we are playing for each other, the manager and the supporters.” (Evening News)

Give Scott Allan international call-up, says Paterson

Ex-Hibs star Craig Paterson has urged Gordon Strachan to call-up Scott Allan for the matches against Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Paterson believes the 23-year-old midfielder, who has been in sparkling form for Hibs this season, is ready for the full Scotland squad.

And Paterson said: “Gordon will be aware of Scott’s form at Hibs, although I’m not sure if he’d be considered for the team yet.

“But if there’s a chance to look at one or two younger players, I would think Gordon would take it and he’d be keen to see how Scott would handle the international stage.

“It would give Scott a real boost too. He seems very confident on the park so I don’t think he would have any problems fitting in with Scotland.” (The Sun)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Forfar are hopeful of bringing Hibs youngster Scott Martin to Station Park on a loan deal, along with Dundee’s John Black

• Dumbarton are keen on taking Aberdeen goalie Danny Rogers on loan again next season

• Mark Roberts and ex-Celtic midfielder Paul Slane have signed for Clyde

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Rumour Mill: John Guidetti | Rangers | Mike Ashley