Rumour Mill: Pečnik to Celtic? | Hibs

Nejc Pe
nik has been linked with a move to Celtic. Picture: AP — Nejc Pe nik has been linked with a move to Celtic. Picture: AP

Pečnik would relish chance in Britain

SLOVENIAN international midfielder Nejc Pečnik is eager to try his hand at British football again, and admits reported interest from Celtic is ‘flattering’.

The 28-year-old, who has scored four goals in 24 appearances for his country, had a brief spell with Sheffield Wednesday in the 2012/13 season, but missed a penalty on his debut.

And now the Red Star Belgrade player - who has experience of playing in Portugal, the Czech Republic, Russia and his homeland as well as Serbia - is keen to give British football another crack.

He said: “It is flattering if Celtic are really interested in me.

“Unfortunately I only read about this in media, I have not had any contact with the club.

“But I would be happy to return to Britain, even at Championship level.

“When I was at Sheffield, the manager gave up on me too soon. I’m sure that I could play a prominent role in this league.” (Sportal)

Gordon put through paces

HE might have missed the 3-1 win over FK Krasnodar, but Craig Gordon wasted no time in being put through his paces by Celtic’s goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods.

The former Motherwell goalie was delighted to add Gordon to a tough workout for the Hoops’ men between the sticks and the ex-Hearts ‘keeper was happy, adding: “I’m settling in well. I got my first training session under my belt and it was a good, tough session, so I’m happy to just get here and get started.

“Stevie Woods works the goalkeepers very hard but that’s why I’m here, to try and prove myself and get back to where I was and then improve on that.” (Evening Times)

Stubbs wants quality over quantity and says signings are close

ALAN Stubbs will take a threadbare Hibs side to Innerleithen today but insists that new signings are in the pipeline.

But the ex-Everton coach insisted he wanted quality over quantity.

Stubbs, who has been linked with moves for Toffees defender Shane Duffy and former Motherwell striker James McFadden, told STV: “It would be very easy just to bring numbers in but that’s not the most important thing.

“We know that the squad needs strengthening but there have been a lot of changes behind the scenes as well, in the structure, which will put the club in a much better position going forward.

“There will be positive news on the player front in the next few days.

“I’m prepared to go with a smaller squad if that means a lot more quality, rather than the big squad of 26.” (STV)

Donaldson, Taiwo find new clubs

EX-Hibernian duo Brad Donaldson and Tom Taiwo have found new clubs - and could well line up against their former team-mates next season.

Taiwo was one of five signings for Peter Houston at Falkirk, while Donaldson has joined Livingston.

Beuzelin teams up with Murray at Dumbarton

FORMER Hibs midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin has joined up with former team-mate Ian Murray at Dumbarton.

The Frenchman replaces the departed Jack Ross, who is set to join Hearts, after spending time working as a youth coach at Hibs.

United warn suitors to up price for Robertson

DUNDEE United have told the clubs sniffing around highly-rated defender Andy Robertson that the Scotland international will cost at least £3 million.

Hull and West Ham have had bids turned down already, and Everton have also renewed their interest after a failed bid in January.

But United could be willing to sell if the price was right, believed to be around £3 million.

The possibility of Robertson returning on loan if he signed for one of the Premier League outfits would also test United’s resolve. (Evening Telegraph)

Mansfield turn down United’s Tafazolli bid

THE Tannadice club have also reportedly had a bid for Mansfield Town defender Ryan Tafazolli turned down.

The 22-year-old, who was in impressive form for the Stags last season could be seen as a replacement should Andy Robertson depart Tayside.

But the League Two outfit face having a smaller squad next season and manager Paul Cox is keen not to lose any key players. (Nottingham Post)

Lisbon president ordered Gauld move

SPORTING Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho gave the order to sign Ryan Gauld after seeing the youngster in action.

The Portuguese club signed Gauld in a deal that could see United cash in to the tune of £6 million, and it has transpired that it was Carvalho who ordered his scouts to compile a report on the Scots midfielder.

Gauld is set to fly back out to Portugal today to join up with his new team for pre-season training. (Evening Telegraph)

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