Rumour Mill: SPFL War | Celtic target | Hibs

SFA tell SFPL to stay out of their business; Celtic face battle for target £4m Man United Striker Powell; Hibs keeper Ben Williams brands team mates “soft and spoiled”; Jamie Langfield aims for 23rd clean sheets and cementing Aberdeen’s second place and more in Monday’s Rumour Mill.
Hibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian GeorgesonHibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian Georgeson
Hibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian Georgeson

SPFL Power grab

Former SFA President George Peat has warned the SPFL not to get involved in SFA business and is furious that the new leagues body is attempting a brazen power grab. The SPFL are to propose four resolutions at the SFA agm next month which could see the clubs take control of the governing body’s seven man main board and the multi-million budget for grass roots development. Peat is staggered that the clubs are now pushing for change after giving the Mcleish report 100% backing. (Record)

Celtic face battle for Powell

Hibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian GeorgesonHibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian Georgeson
Hibs goal keeper Ben Williams says his team are "soft and spoiled". Picture: Ian Georgeson

Celtic are facing a three way battle in the race to sign Manchester United starlet Nick Powell. The striker who is on loan at Wigan is also a target for both Everton and Swansea and it is thought the two Premiership teams will prove a major obstacle in Celtic’s bid to sign the player. Swansea are ready to make a move in the summer after having Powell watched in several games, while Everton will be looking for a replacement for the out bound Lukaku. Celtic will be hoping to avoid a bidding war. (Record)

Hibs keeper Ben Williams brands team mates “soft”

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Ben Williams says his team mates have been “soft and spoiled” and warned that if they don’t toughen up they could down. Hibs, who slid further into the relegation mire when they lost 2-0 to St Mirren on Saturday, have now lost five games in a row. They are only three points above the play-off spot. Williams said: “People will say that Hibs have been soft this season and we have been, without a shadow of a doubt. Honestly, we’ve been soft. We’re spoiled. What we aren’t doing is performing on the pitch. That’s what we need to address and it starts on Sunday in the derby.” (Express)

Jamie Langfield aiming for clean sheet no. 23

Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield who secured his 22nd clean sheet of the season against Inverness Caley Thistle on Friday night says he doesn’t want to stop there. Langfield said: “To get 22 is fantastic and hopefully I can get a few more before the end of the season. To finish second would be a great achievement but now we are have to earn it as there are a lot of teams who will be determined to stop us.”

Anier slams “unfair” SFA

Motherwell player Henri Anier fears his team will end up suffering rough justice because of how long it has taken for Leigh Griffiths to face an SFA hearing. The Celtic striker, who scored on Saturday to put Celtic into lead before Motherwell pulled level to draw 3-3, could now miss games against Motherwell’s rivals in the race for European qualification if handed a ban on Thursday. Anier said: “It could be bad luck for us. I heard someone say on Saturday that he could have been banned for our game, but he played and scored.” (Mail)

Southampton spy on Van Dijk

Southampton are tracking Virgil Van Dijk with a view to another potential big-money summer swoop on Celtic. The Premiership team had the Celtic centre half watched during the 3-3 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park. Celtic value the Dutch player at four times the £2.6 million they originally paid for him from Dutch side Gronigen. Lennon wants to keep the player though and will hope to stave off any interest. (Sun)