Rumour Mill: Martin O’Neill | Lee McCulloch

Leicester in bid to bring back Martin O’Neill

Leicester City are prepared to offer former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill a bumper contract to become the clubs next manager.

The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland boss is currently managing the Republic of Ireland national side, but Leicester

City hope to persuade him to leave his current pole in favour of a similar role at the King Power Stadium.

The Leicester City owners are willing to splash £2 million a year to ensure the O’Neill returns to

the club with which he won two League Cups between 1995 and 2000. (Mirror)

Lee McCulloch set to join Kilmarnock

Former Rangers captain Lee McCulloch is set to be named Kilmarnock player/coach later today.

The 37-year-old was linked with a return to Rangers under their new management team of Mark Warburton and David Weir

in a coaching role at Ibrox where he spent the last eight seasons. (Sky Sports)

Nadir Ciftci could get Champions League call

Nadir Ciftci has put himself in line for a starting place in Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against Stjarnan next week after impressing on his

debut for the Hoops, according to Ronny Deila.

The Turkish striker made an instant impact as a second half substitute, coming off the bench to set up Gary Mackay-Steven for the winner in a 1-0 victory

over David Moyes’ Real Sociedad side in Paisley.

Ciftci only completed his move to Celtic on Thursday, although insisted at his unveiling that he is fit and ready to feature for the Scottish Premiership

champions. (STV)

Kilmarnock sign Dale Carrick

Kilmarnock have confirmed the signing of Dale Carrick days after the striker left Hearts.

Carrick is the latest former Hearts player to be reunited with recent Tynecastle boss Gary Locke this summer, following Scott Robinson and Jamie MacDonald

to Rugby Park. (Evening News)

St Johnstone’s Steven Anderson escapes serious injury

Steven Anderson has escaped without serious injury following a “slammed” elbow to his face in St Johnstone’s Europe League clash with Alashkert on Thursday night.

Manager Tommy Wright had feared his centre-back had fractured his cheekbone, but a medical examination has ruled that out. (Courier)

Aberdeen training ground setback

Aberdeen FC have today confirmed that plans for a new training facility at Balgownie playing fields have collapsed.

The Dons have revealed that they are now looking at alternative sites after it became apparent that the Balgownie site would not be suitable

for all of its demands. (Express)

PRE SEASON ROUND UP

Tottenham Hotspur (development squad) 3 - 2 Rangers

Mark Warburton’s first game in charge saw his Rangers side lose to a Tottenham youth team in a pre-season friendly

Celtic 1 Real Sociedad 0

Nadir Ciftci came off the bench to set up Gary Mackay-Steven to score the winner against David Moyes’ side at St Mirren Park. (Various)

Vitesse Arnhem 4 - 0 Dundee United

Dundee United were well beaten by a fitter and stronger Vitesse Arnhem side in the first game of their pre-season tour of the Netherlands.

(Courier)

IN BRIEF

- Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Celtic, Sunderland and Burnley winger Ross Wallace

Rumour Mill: Martin O’Neill | Lee McCulloch | Nadir Ciftci