Rumour Mill: Neil Lennon | Leicester | Gary Hooper

CELTIC manager Neil Lennon is a target for old club Leicester City, and Gary Hooper may follow him to the Championship as QPR show interest in the Parkhead hitman

Neil Lennon with the SPL trophy. Picture: SNS

Leicester join battle for Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon’s list of admirers appears to have grown with reports that Leicester City are interested in appointing him as their new manager. Lennon, who spent four years at Leicester and won two League Cups there, would replace Nigel Pearson, whose job is understood to be under threat after losing the Championship play-off to Watford in dramatic fashion.

Lennon was present to watch his old side lose 3-1.

Stoke City and Everton are also widely thought to be interested in appointing the Northern Irishman. (The Sun)

Rangers chase Celtic’s Gary Hooper

Gary Hooper is a target for recently-relegated QPR, according to the Daily Record. Harry Redknapp is keen to sign a striker to lead his side’s push for promotion back into the Premier League.

A £6 million fee could be enough to tempt Celtic to sell.

Hooper is thought to be receptive to the possibility of leaving the Scottish champions for the right move, with QPR preparing for the possible exit of French international Loic Remy. (Daily Record)

Shaun Maloney says FA Cup win has removed self-doubt

Shaun Maloney has admitted that he finally feels accepted in English football after critics rounded on him during his ill-fated 18-month spell at Aston Villa in 2007.

Maloney was one of several Scots who picked up an FA Cup medal after Saturday’s win over Manchester City.

Despite being one of Wigan’s most influential players - kicking the corner that led to Ben Watson’s late headed goal - Maloney said that he now has more belief in himself.

“When I came down to Villa I didn’t merit a regular slot. The problem I had at the start was that I didn’t have any closure leaving Celtic. But now I do have more belief in myself when I step across the white line.

“I feel more comfortable and try to play as though I belong with this calibre of player.” (Daily Record)

Rangers face Jon Daly signature battle

League One outfit MK Dons are preparing to do battle with Rangers over Dundee United’s Jon Daly. The Irishman is out of contract in the summer, by which time Rangers hope to tie up a deal, having already held talks with the striker. MK Dons have previous with Daly, having tried to sign him last year. Manager Mick Harford watched Daly in action against Inverness at the weekend, and is expected to back the club hierarchy’s plan to match wages offered by Rangers. (The Sun)