Rumour Mill: Jon Daly | Dunfermline

Rangers face fight to sign Jon Daly

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has claimed that Rangers are not the only club to have registered an interest in striker Jon Daly. The Irishman, whose contract expires in the summer, is on Rangers’ radar, and Ally McCoist yesterday confirmed Daly as a transfer target. But McNamara insisted that a deal for the Tannadice captain is far from done, and also urged the player to consider staying.

“Jon has been a great player for Dundee United. It’s credit to him that he’s highly sought after - and not just by Rangers. I’m not surprised about that,” said McNamara.

He added: “I’d like him to stay here. But he’s out of contract and will do the best for himself.” (The Sun)

Dunfermline face SFA charge for Scottish Cup fee as owner steps down

Dunfermline are facing a substantial fine from the SFA for failing to hand over cash due to Hamilton Accies. The outstanding £6,000 sum (or £7,500, according to the Daily Mail), which stems from gate receipts from a Scottish Cup tie between the two sides last month, has prompted the SFA to charge the club with breach of competition rules. A hearing has been set for March 21. Dunfermline are already struggling with cashflow problems, having failed to pay their players on time for the fifth month running last week.

Meanwhile, Dunfermline owner Gavin Masterton has stepped down fom the club’s board, though he will remain a majority shareholder.

However, The Sun report on some good news for the Pars, who have been given an advance by the SFA from in order to keep the club going. The Pars are due a parachute payment of £125,000 no August 1, but have been handed some of the money early. (Daily Express, The Sun)

‘Horrible referee’ to take charge of Juventus v Celtic

A Turkish referee described by Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt as a “horrible referee” is to take charge of Celtic’s second-leg Champions League tie against Juventus. Firat Aydinus is the most inexperienced referee of all the officials due to take charge of Champions League games at this stage of the competition; this will be his fourth ever Champions League tie. Kuyt, who now plays for Fenerbahce, made the outburst after Aydinus’ abysmal display during a 1-1 draw between Fenerbahce and Eskisehirspor. (Daily Mail)

Lubo Moravcik’s doubts on Celtic’s ‘mission impossible’

Former Celtic midfielder Lubo Moravcik has claimed that Celtic’s quest for an unlikely comeback against Juventus will be a “mission impossible.”

“In football there are surprises, but not miracles,” said the Slovakian. “I hoped they would keep a clean sheet against Juventus because then they would have a chance of going through, but it was not to be.” (Daily Express)

Coventry City look to pinch Steven Pressley from Bairns

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley is a target for Coventry City, who are looking for a new boss following the departure of Mark Robins. Bookmakers have offered odds of 2/1 on Pressley taking over at the Midlands club. Pressley played for Coventry for a season in 1994, where he arrived from Rangers in a £600,000 deal. (Daily Express)

Rumour Mill: Jon Daly | Dunfermline | Celtic v Juventus