Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila | Lewis Macleod

Celtic manager Ronny Deila only cares about the trophies. Picture: SNS

Ronny Deila: I don’t care if we win league by a point

Ronny Deila insists he’d settle for Celtic winning the league by a single point – if the championship success was part of a domestic clean sweep.

The Parkhead boss is under pressure after Aberdeen cut his team’s lead at the top of the Premiership to two points and admitted Celtic are now involved in a title fight they can’t afford to lose.

Deila said: “I don’t care if it’s one point or 10 points as long as we win the Treble. It’s all about trophies. No one asks how many points do you win by, it’s all about trophies. That’s always been the case in history. You never remember who is No.2 or how many points you win by.

“Aberdeen are getting better and are on a good run – we will see in the end how many points they get and we can get.” (Record)

Rangers fans furious over Lewis Macleod sale

Macleod travelled to London yesterday to undergo a medical with the Griffin Park club and is expected to complete the move today.

But the fact the hugely talented 20-year-old midfielder has been offloaded for such a paltry fee has not gone down well with incensed Rangers followers.

Supporters have sent internet message boards into meltdown and bombarded radio phone-ins with irate calls since the news broke.

And the shock move has been tipped to send attendances at Ibrox - which have dropped below 20,000 in the last two league games - falling further.

Season ticket holder Andy McKellar summed up the feelings of many of his fellow Light Blues fans about the sale of the Scot.

He said: “Lewis Macleod has been a shining light against a backdrop of mediocrity at Rangers in the last few seasons.

“To even consider selling our best player for such an absolute pittance speaks volumes about the gross mismanagement at the club.

“At a time when we should be building a team around this talented youngster, it’s disgusting to think we are instead flogging him on the cheap.

“And for what? To keep the lights on?

“This is just the latest in a long line of awful deals struck by our supposed custodians and one which will sicken many fans at a time when support is scarce enough.” (Times)

Rangers to stay afloat with £6.5million bailout

The troubled Ibrox board need to raise £8m to cover their running costs for next year.

The Park consortium, which includes George Letham and shareholder George Taylor, had made an offer to snap up the bulk of any new shares in exchange for two places on the board.

Talks have now opened with the trio and Rangers indicated they would accept the cash as part of a share issue or a secured loan if the first option can’t be sealed.

The Championship club also gave Macleod permission to hold talks and a medical with the English Championship side, where former Gers captain David Weir is assistant manager.

Rangers are ready to take the initial fee to pay next month’s wages and will also pocket further add-ons, based on Scotland caps, appearances and if Brentford gain promotion.

The Macleod money will act as a stop-gap while they look to bring in more money that will plug the massive black hole in the Ibrox accounts for 2015.

It should give them time before the Park- led bid is ratified by existing shareholders. (Express)

Nicky Law could follow Macleod through Ibrox exit

Nicky Law could become the next player through the exit door at Rangers after emerging as a potential target for Huddersfield Town.

Star performer Lewis Macleod was edging closer to a £1million move to Brentford on Tuesday night after undergoing a medical at the Championship outfit.

And now fellow midfielder Law is attracting attention as another English second-tier side considers raiding Ibrox.

It’s thought the interest from Huddersfield remains in its early stages but a reasonable offer may prove hard for Rangers to resist given their perilous financial position. (Mail)

Robbie Neilson expects a battle from Hibs

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has warned his players that they will face a battle to overcome a resurgent Hibernian side on Saturday – despite the 19-point gulf between the Edinburgh rivals in the Championship standings.

Neilson said: “The win against Livingston, along with Rangers dropping points, gives us a lift going into the Hibs game and we are on a decent run.

“But Hibs have hit a fantastic period of form. They are playing well and they will be confident coming to Tynecastle. It will be a very difficult game for us to win. (Scotsman)

Dundee keen to sign ex-Celt Stephen Pearson

Dundee are on the trail of former Celtic and Scotland star Stephen Pearson as they bid to get 2015 off to a flier.

The Dark Blues are keen to land the 32-year-old midfielder who was most recently with Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters.

Pearson, who’s also had spells with Motherwell, Derby and Bristol City, is keen to relaunch his career and would jump at the chance of a move to Tayside.

The 10-cap ex-Scotland ace would join forces again with former Motherwell team-mate David Clarkson if he signs up with Paul Hartley’s men. (Herald)

News in brief:

• Wakaso Mubarak has returned from injury for Celtic (Various)

• Leed’s Liam Cooper is set for a Scotland call up. (Express)

• Liverpool to bid £12m for ‘new Aguero’ Villareal hit-man Luciano Vietto. (Mirror)

• Tony Pulis set to become new West Brom manager. (Mirror)

Comment:

• Johnny Hubbard recalls Old Firm derby hat-trick

• Scott Allan enjoying his football again at Hibs

Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila | Lewis Macleod | Rangers