Rumour Mill: Scepovic | van Dijk | Roy Keane

Stefan Scepovic could join Levante on loan in January; Virgil van Dijk urged to stay at Celtic by Ajax boss Frank de Boer and Mike Ashley waives Ibrox naming rights as he pumps a further £1m into club
Stefan Scepovic has been linked with a loan move to Levante. Picture: SNSStefan Scepovic has been linked with a loan move to Levante. Picture: SNS
Stefan Scepovic has been linked with a loan move to Levante. Picture: SNS

Levante eye Scepovic loan

CELTIC striker Stefan Scepovic could be on his way back to La Liga in January.

The £2.3 million striker has struggled to settle at the Hoops, having netted just twice, while fellow newcomer John Guidetti has got off to a flying start.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And Levante have just received a cash boost from a Korean investor, and could seek to lure the Serbian back to Spain to help lift them out of the relegation zone. (Daily Record)

Van Dijk urged to stay at Celtic

AJAX boss Frank de Boer has urged Virgil van Dijk to stay at Celtic for the good of his career.

Van Dijk left Groningen in his homeland in 2013, signing a four-year deal at Celtic Park, and de Boer believes his compatriot should ignore transfer speculation and focus on his Hoops career.

De Boer, who spent time at Rangers, said: “When Virgil signed for Celtic I knew that he had everything to go on and be a top central defender, both in Scotland and in Europe.

“It is no surprise to me that he is being linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

“It would be good for him to win more trophies in the Scottish Premiership first before he thinks about anything else.” (Daily Record)

Keane calls cops to Irish team hotel

ROY Keane called the police to the Republic of Ireland team hotel in Dublin last night, the FAI has confirmed.

Martin O’Neill’s No 2 made the call after an incident at the base in Portmarnock.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The FAI criticised what they called ‘inaccurate media reports’ adding that Keane had the full support of O’Neill and the association.

A Garda spokesman confirmed that an incident was being investigated, but no arrest or complaint had been made. (The Scotsman)

Shinnie on way out of Inverness

ABERDEEN have been dealt a boost with the news that Inverness CT defender Graeme Shinnie plans to leave the club in the summer.

The Dons have been circling with the Caley Jags claiming they had knocked back a summer bid - something Aberdeen have never confirmed.

Inverness may be forced to accept a bid for Shinnie in January to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer but Aberdeen could move to get their man. (Evening Express)

Naismith would bin ‘granny’ rule

SCOTLAND striker Steven Naismith has admitted he isn’t a fan of the rule that allows Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy to play for the Republic of Ireland.

The Everton forward conceded that Scotland had benefited from the rule but added: “There should be a cut-off – not distant relatives.

“If you grow up in a country, you should have the chance to play for them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Those are the rules, every country in the world is doing it and there’s no point in debating it.” (Various)

News in brief

Swedish ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic has given compatriot John Guidetti his seal of approval

• Aberdeen have agreed a deal to all but wipe out their debt of nearly £15m

• Craig Brown believes Hampden should be knocked down and claims even Rangers players prefer playing Scotland games at Celtic Park

• Derek Adams has been installed as the favourite for the Motherwell manager post

• Ross County have released Uros Celcer, Jordi Balk and Timothy Dreesen

• Dundee United have made an increased offer of £100k to Rangers after signing Charlie Telfer

Related topics: