Rumour Mill: Kristoffer Ajer plays down Celtic link | Virgil van Dijk

Kristoffer Ajer doesn't expect to leave IK Start any time soon. Picture: ikstart.no

Hoops target plays down transfer talk

KRISTOFFER Ajer has played down talk of a move amid reported interest from Celtic.

The 17-year-old IK Start midfielder has attracted attention from the likes of PSG, Spurs and Liverpool and had been linked with Celtic in the past.

However, Ajer told Aftenposten that he isn’t expecting to leave IK Start any time soon. (Various)

Kozak rejects Celtic interest

ASTON Villa striker Libor Kozak has knocked back the chance to join Celtic after the Hoops were linked with the Czech striker.

Celtic are keen on bolstering their attacking options and had hoped to lure the 26-year-old to Glasgow.

However, Kozak - despite finding himself down the pecking order at Villa Park - is said to be keen on staying in English football or a transfer abroad if he moves on. (Birmingham Mail)

Southampton prepare van Dijk raid

SOUTHAMPTON are reportedly set to make their first offer for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk and are hoping to have a deal tied up within the next 48 hours.

Ronald Koeman’s side have been leading the chase for the Dutchman and are desperate to reinforce their backline.

The 24-year-old is expected to be the subject of an £8m bid from the St Mary’s side. (Daily Mail)

Deila mulls over Malmo disaster

RONNY Deila has admitted he must question his own role in Celtic’s dismal Champions League demise as the inquest into their defeat in Malmo continues.

The Norwegian coach expects to come under fresh scrutiny from the club’s support who were left reeling by the lame nature of Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat by the Swedish champions which eliminated Celtic 4-3 on aggregate at the play-off stage of Europe’s premier tournament.

And Deila knows the buck stops at his door, having been given full licence by the Celtic board to restructure the football department at the club in terms of fitness training, medical care, sports science and nutrition. (The Scotsman)

Dundee United make third bid for Billy Mckay

DUNDEE United have launched a third six-figure bid to try and prise ex-Inverness CT forward Billy Mckay from Wigan.

Jackie McNamara is reportedly keen on bringing a new striker to Tannadice before the window slams shut and has had two bids for Mckay knocked back by the Latics.

However, United are still hopeful of securing Mckay’s services. (Evening Telegraph)

Zaliukas set for Rangers exit

MARIUS Zaliukas is set to leave Rangers after being informed he is not part of Mark Warburton’s plans.

The Lithuanian stopper arrived at Ibrox after a brief spell down south, but after making 30 appearances last season, hasn’t played a competitive fixture for the Gers.

Fellow defender Darren McGregor departed on Monday, signing a two-year deal with Hibs. (Daily Record)

Sneijder addresses health issues

RODNEY Sneijder has posted on Instagram a response to the many questions surrounding his sudden departure from Dundee United.

The Dutchman made just one sub appearance for Jackie McNamara’s men and had his contract terminated by mutual consent earlier this week amid reports he was suffering health problems and was undergoing treatment in Amsterdam.

Sneijder said: “All I can say now is that I am very busy with my recovery. Despite being a difficult and stressful period for me, I am hard at work to come out stronger here.” (Evening Telegraph)

Match reports

Hibs 1 Stranraer 0: Rumsby own goal enough for Hibs

Airdrieonians 0 Rangers 5: Five-star Gers ease past Diamonds

Rumour Mill: Kristoffer Ajer plays down Celtic link | Virgil van Dijk | Billy Mckay