Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Virgil van Dijk

Crunch talks: Hibs midfielder Scott Allan. Picture: SNS

Rangers to make third bid for Scott Allan

RANGERS are expected to make a third bid for Hibernian star Scott Allan this week, just days after romping to a 6-2 win at Easter Road in the Petrofac Training Cup.

Allan, who started on the bench due to what Alan Stubbs referred to as the ‘circus’ surrounding Rangers’ interest, came on as a second-half substitute.

Hibs have knocked back two bids for the former Dundee United midfielder and although hasn’t handed in a written transfer request, is believed to have indicated to the Hibs hierarchy that he wants to leave and join his boyhood heroes.

Qarabag success ‘key to keeping van Dijk’

JOHN Collins has admitted Celtic will find it difficult to retain the services of Virgil van Dijk if they fail to reach the group stage of the Champions League this season.

The Dutch defender has been consistently linked with a move to the English Premier League in the current transfer window with Everton the latest club to be credited with an interest.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, who appears set to lose John Stones to Chelsea, has confirmed he is searching for reinforcements in central defence and did not rule out a move for Van Dijk. (The Scotsman)

Romanov sacked Hearts boss over Barcelona friendly row

EX-Hearts boss Anatoly Korobochka has claimed he was binned as Hearts boss - after refusing to play Vladimir Romanov in a friendly against Barcelona in 2007.

Korobochka, a former manager of CSKA Moscow, was kicked out of Tynecastle shortly after the glamour friendly.

Korobochka said: “We played Barcelona in a friendly match and there were almost 60,000 fans there.

“Before the game, Romanov approached me and told me he wanted to play in the game. He wanted me to pick him. He wasn’t joking.

I said he had done no training and couldn’t play. He said to me ‘fine, but you will not be the coach for long’ and then he sacked me soon after!” (The Sun)

Forster faces scan on hamstring

HIBS defender Jordon Forster is set to undergo a scan on his hamstring, after limping off early in the second half of Hibernian’s 6-2 Petrofac Cup loss against Rangers.

The 21-year-old, who missed chunks of last season after breaking his foot and undergoing surgery on his appendix, joins a growing casualty list at East Mains, with just 11 days until the start of the season.

But Alan Stubbs is hopeful the defender will only be out for around two weeks. (Evening News)

Hibs run rule over McCabe

HIBS are to run the rule over former Rangers midfielder Rhys McCabe as Alan Stubbs seeks to strengthen his squad.

Ex-St Mirren star John McGinn has also been linked with the Easter Road side ahead of the start of the season. (Various)

‘Well target Jackson Irvine

MOTHERWELL have made the signing of Celtic midfielder Jackson Irvine a priority as they look to bolster their squad.

Ian Baraclough needed to guide Motherwell through the play-offs last year to keep them in the Scottish Premiership and will be looking to avoid a repeat this year. (Various)

Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Virgil van Dijk | Vladimir Romanov