Rumour Mill: Rangers signings | Kris Commons | Molde

MARK WARBURTON signals top flight ambitions with January signings plan; Celtic explore establishing US team; Kris Commons set to ask for contract extension; plus the rest of today’s football news and gossip

Celtic's Kris Commons may sign a new deal at the club. Picture: SNS

Mark Warburton plans Rangers’ January signings

MARK Warburton may appear to be presumptuous but he will sign players in January who are already equipped to play for Rangers in the Premiership next season.

“We have to start building our squad for next season in January because you need to bed players in,” he said. (Scotland on Sunday)

Derek McInnes defiant despite Dons stumble

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes says he is undeterred in his belief that Aberdeen can challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title despite drawing 1-1 with Motherwell, conceding the chance to go top of the table.

“Ideally, we wanteed to go back to the top of the league,” he said. “We haven’t managed to do that, but next week represents a real opportunity to go back to winning ways [a fixture against Celtic].” (Mail on Sunday)

Celtic ‘exploring American franchise option’

Celtic may establish a franchise in the US, according to the Scottish Sun on Sunday. Club chiefs met with officials in the North American Soccer League, the division below the Major Soccer League.

Bill Peterson, the NASL commissioner, plans to expand the 11-strong league into 20 teams by 2018. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Celtic deserved stick from fans, says Scott Brown

Celtic captain Scott Brown has said supporters were within their rights to hurl abuse at players after losing 3-1 to Molde in Norway.

When asked about fans who shouted insults at players as they boarded the team bus, Brown said: “Quite rightly so too. They went all the way over there to watch us, support us. They support us through thick and thin, and it means so much.” (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Robbie Neilson plays down title talk

Hearts are still some distance away from mounting a title challenge – that’s the verdict of manager Robbie Neilson, despite his side’s advance on Celtic’s position at the top.

After seeing his squad win against Ross County, moving Hearts within three points of the leaders, he said: “We are far, far away from Celtic. They are a team full of international footballers and are experienced at winning titles.” (Mail on Sunday)

Barry Ferguson considering Clyde exit

Barry Ferguson may leave Clyde after seeing his side lose 2-1 to Highland League outfit Formartine United in the Scottish Cup.

He said: “I need to have a real think over the weekend and speak with my staff.” (Sunday Mail)

Kris Commons may extend deal at Celtic

Kris Commons is set to put his public outburst at Molde behind him and sign an extension with Celtic – and he privately expects to end up outlasting Ronny Deila, according to the Sunday Mail.

His agent, Martin Reilly, said: “No way is Kris going anywhere. He is staying put – 100 per cent.” (Sunday Mail)