Rumour Mill: Martin Odegaard | Nadir Ciftci

Celtic manager Ronny Deila can't understand where the Martin Odegaard rumours are coming from. Picture: SNS

Ronny Deila hits out at Martin Odegaard rumours

Celtic manager Ronny Deila last night reacted angrily to relentless speculation that he is on the brink of agreeing a loan deal with Real Madrid for 16-year-old Martin Odegaard.

Midweek reports from overseas stated that the SPFL Premiership champions had agreed a 12-month deal to reunite Deila with the attacking midfielder he brought through the ranks at Stromsgodset.

However, the Norwegian moved to clarify the situation following the weeks of rumour and counter-rumour that have unfolded since he met Odegaard at a match in their homeland while on holiday at the end of May.

“I don’t understand how that is coming out, it is totally out of nothing. I spoke to him one time in May but that was just friendly. It was nothing about contracts.” (Herald)

Nadir Ciftci believes Celtic are ready for Stjarnan

Nadir Ciftci reckons Celtic are running into form just at the right time for their Euro campaign.

Ciftci said: “I can offer a lot physically and also a lot of goals. I can go past players too so I think I can add a lot to the team. This is the biggest stage and we want to play in the Champions League games.” (Express)

John McGinn in signing talks with MLS side Houston Dynamo

John McGinn will fly to America today for signing talks with MLS side Houston Dynamo.

And St Mirren won’t receive a penny in compensation for the Scotland Under-21 skipper if he seals a move to the Texan club

Hearts, Hibs and Wigan were all keen to land midfielder McGinn, with the Buddies holding out for a £200,000 development fee.

But that fee won’t apply if he agrees on a switch to Owen Coyle’s side in the States. (Daily Record)

David Moyes: Celtic must be at their best for Champions League qualifiers

David Moyes believes Celtic will need to be in top form if they are to navigate the Champions League qualifiers and make the competition.

Former Everton and Manchester United boss Moyes, an ex-Celtic defender, has sympathy for the Hoops’ early European start but insists they will simply have to be ready.

“I don’t think it’s a great situation that they are being asked to start so early in the season but that’s down to where Scotland are in the coefficient,” he said after Real Sociedad’s friendly defeat to Celtic on Friday.

“The games have to start early and it’s not easy for Celtic but that’s the rules.” (Daily Record)

Rangers close in on Andy Halliday

Rangers hope to tie up the signing of Andy Halliday this week.

The former Livingston, Middlesbrough and Bradford winger has been training at Murray Park for the last couple of weeks and impressed enough to earn a contract offer. (Various)

Dundee United up their interest in Stevie May

Stevie May is a target for Dundee United as manager Jackie McNamara bids to replace Nadir Ciftci. The striker has struggled to make an impression at Sheffield Wednesday since moving there last January. (Various)

News in brief:

• Dundee United have made a move for ex-Livingston kid Coll Donaldson after his release from QPR. (Daily Record)

• Iker Casillas has finally secured his move to Porto from Real Madrid - ending a legandary stint of 25 years at the Spanish club. (STV)

• Orrlando City are hoping to wrap up a deal for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez within two weeks. (Various)

Comment:

• James Forrest key to Europe campaign - Ronny Deila

Rumour Mill: Martin Odegaard | Nadir Ciftci | Andy Halliday