Rumour Mill: Stokes to Leeds

Anthony Stokes is reportedly a target for Leeds United. Picture: SNS

Leeds linked with Anthony Stokes

LEEDS United have been linked with a move for Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, who is said to be keen on a return to England, but face a transfer embargo stumbling block.

The Elland Road outfit are unable to make any permanent transfers during this window, meaning any agreed deal would have to be a loan agreement initially.

Stokes has scored eight goals in 29 appearances for Celtic this season, and has been utilised on the left of an attacking three behind a lone striker by Ronny Deila.

Cardiff City are also reportedly keen on the former Hibs and Sunderland striker, while Leeds could also try to tempt Stokes’ former Easter Road team-mate Sol Bamba to Yorkshire from Palermo. (Daily Mail)

Southampton eye John Guidetti

SOUTHAMPTON have emerged as the latest club to be linked with on-loan Celtic striker John Guidetti.

Ronald Koeman is ready to make a move for Guidetti, who scored 20 goals in 23 games under the Dutch legend at Feyenoord.

Guidetti has been reluctant to commit to a permanent deal at Celtic Park, opening the door for the Saints who are seeking more options in attack with Jay Rodriguez still recovering from a knee injury. (The Sun)

Dundee United calm over Armstrong rumours

DUNDEE United are calm over the prospect of losing star midfielder Stuart Armstrong, with sources close to the club claiming a bid of over £2 million would be needed to prise him away from Tannadice.

Celtic have been linked with another raid on Jackie McNamara’s team after snapping up Gary Mackay-Steven on a pre-contract, and have reportedly made an official approach to United.

Armstrong still has 18 months left on his contract but is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Several English Premier League ides are keeping tabs on the former Inverness Caledonian Thistle youngster, with Hull City and West Brom reportedly keen on taking the midfielder to England, and would surely be able to pay big money to secure his services. (Evening Telegraph)

Scott Brown backs Mackay-Steven

SCOTT Brown believes Gary Mackay-Steven’s biggest challenge will be settling into life as a Celtic player.

Brown, who moved to Celtic from Hibs for £4.4 million in 2007, reckons new signings need ‘six months’ to understand Celtic’s fanbase.

He said: “Coming to a club as big as Celtic, it takes everyone six months to understand the fanbase.

“Even when it comes to going out to a restaurant in Glasgow, you find half the people love you and the other half hate you.

“It’s a big thing for newcomers to come in and accept this Rangers and Celtic divide - but I’m sure [Mackay-Steven] will flourish.” (Various)

Mike Ashley is the right man for Rangers, says Charles Green

CHARLES Green has thrown his backing behind Newcastle owner Mike Ashley during an astonishing hospital interview.

Former Rangers chief Green told Jim White in a Sky Sports News interview: “The current team are doing great. Maybe the fans don’t like them.

“They don’t like Mike Ashley - I don’t like Mike Ashley. But it doesn’t mean he isn’t the right man for the job. I actually think his team are the right people.”

Green, who was in hospital to undergo knee surgery, also revealed he hasn’t ruled out a return to Ibrox one day.

Earlier on Tuesday there had been wild rumours that Green had been arrested in France. (The Scotsman)

Hughes fearful of bids for Caley Jags’ stars

JOHN Hughes is desperate to hold on to his Inverness Caledonian Thistle stars but accepts that bids could come in thick and fast for the likes of Ryan Christie, Billy Mckay, Marley Watkins and Graeme Shinnie.

Josh Meekings is another player attracting interest and Hughes said after ICT’s 2-0 win over St Johnstone: “We’re in a window, where if a bid comes in we’d have to sit down and look at it.

“But we’re just hoping the window closes and we’re all still together, and we’ll see where it takes us.” (Sky Sports)

News in brief

• James Marwood has left St Mirren by mutual consent

• West Ham have had a £2 million bid for Hamilton defender and Celtic target Stephen Hendrie knocked back

• Tope Obadeyi is aiming to fire Kilmarnock into the top six

Rumour Mill: Stokes to Leeds | Charles Green