Rumour Mill: Virgil Van Dijk | Celtic target trio

Van Dijk's agent admitted the star could leave Celtic in January. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Race heats up for Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk’s Dutch agent has fired the starting gun on a New Year auction for the Celtic defender.

Sunderland, Everton, West Brom, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are amongst the clubs interested in the £10million Parkhead star.

And, speaking to a Dutch magazine, Henk Martin Chin predicted a hectic window of activity after claiming interest in his client is intensifying.

“Virgil has a good relationship with the (Celtic) manager,” he said. “He will continue giving everything for Celtic. But if beautiful clubs in the Premier League or other big leagues make concrete offers, you do not say no immediately.

“Is there anything currently? There is a lot of interest. It could be a busy winter.” (Mail)

David Somers sends ‘pleading’ letters to rich list

Panic-stricken chairman David Somers pleaded for someone to save Rangers from financial meltdown in the New Year – by sending out begging letters at 4am on Boxing Day.

Record Sport understands Somers sent the emails to a number of wealthy individuals in a bizarre early morning attempt to raise the millions needed to keep the Ibrox club in business in January.

The cash appeal – which indicates the high level of boardroom concern at the club’s latest plight – was launched just two days after the SFA blocked Mike Ashley’s plan to plough around £8million into the club by taking his holding up to 29.9 per cent. (Record)

Celtic target Mix Diskerud set to leave Norway

American Diskerud – on Celtic’s radar in the summer – is out of contract at Norwegian outfit Rosenborg and available on a free after talks on a fresh deal broke down.

The 24-year-old midfielder – whom Celtic boss Deila previously tried to sign while gaffer at Stromsgodset – is now looking at several options in Europe and the USA.

It’s understood Deila has been keeping tabs on his form in the past few months.

Mix’s father Paal said: “Ronny Deila is a fantastic guy, a good person and is a coach I’ve been following closely. Mix is free to leave Rosenborg.” (Express)

Dundee United put £6m price tag on Ciftci and Armstrong

Celtic will have to shell out a whopping £6million if they want to prise Nadir Ciftci and Stuart Armstrong away from Dundee United.

The Tannadice club are raging at having their prized assets linked with a move to Parkhead just days before the transfer window opens, particularly with United trailing Celts by only five points at the top of the Premiership.

The league leaders have made no contact with United over either player but Record Sport understands that both feature on a list of possible targets for manager Ronny Deila. (Record)

Rangers fans want answers on Mike Ashley dealings

The Rangers Supporters’ Trust has demanded that troubled chairman David Somers reveal the full extent of Mike Ashley’s Ibrox involvement.

The disgruntled fan group e-mailed Somers after the planned question and answer session at the recent AGM was abruptly cut short.

They want to be filled in on Ashley, including his shareholdings, his power in the boardroom and his plans for the club.

The Trust has collated 16 questions they believe will shine some light on what is going on behind the scenes of the Championship side – who put manager Ally McCoist on gardening leave earlier this month.

They want to know the terms of the commercial deal with Ashley’s company Sports Direct and if there are talks to increase their share of the club’s retail business. (Express)

Lewis Macleod set for Brentford

Hitkid Lewis Macleod is due to undergo a medical this morning in London as he edges closer to a move to Brentford. A fee of around £1m has been agreed in principal and the midfielder could join the Bees as soon as New Year’s Day. (Sun)

David Murray faces no further action over Rangers sale

Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray and other directors will face no further action over the liquidation of the club’s operating company, it has emerged.

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte is the only former Ibrox executive to face legal moves to ban him as a director over the company’s financial meltdown. (Various)

Money problems ‘just an excuse’ for Rangers’ flops

David Robertson can’t believe how far on-field standards have fallen at his old club Rangers and insists the players have nobody to blame for that but themselves. He said: “I’m surprised at what has happened because it shouldn’t be hard to lift yourself to play for Rangers.

“Normally when a manager moves on, as was the case when Ally McCoist left, there’s a bit of a spark but we didn’t see that at all at the weekend. The players must have it in their minds they’ve a new man to impress, whether it be Kenny McDowall, Billy Davies or someone else.” (Scotsman)

Adam Rooney believes Aberdeen can challenge Celtic

Aberdeen attacker Adam Rooney believes the Dons are capable of pushing Celtic all the way this season. He said: “The main thing is we are not too far behind at this stage.

“But if we can maintain our form we will be there or thereabouts as we are keeping a lot of clean sheets.” (Press and Journal)

Aberdeen get double deal boost

Aberdeen have announced that Jonny Hayes and Andrew Considine have agreed new deals.

Hayes, 27, signed a contract extension which will see him remain with the Dons until the summer of 2018, while defender Considine, also 27, who is in his testimonial year with the Pittodrie club, has penned a two-and-a-half year extension that sees him remain with his home town team until the summer of 2017. (Scotsman)

Petrie gives out control of hibs to fans

The feelgood factor surrounding Hibs in the wake of Saturday’s scintillating 4-0 defeat of Rangers was further enhanced yesterday with the announcement of a radical debt restructuring deal and £2.5 million share issue proposal which presents the possibility of 51 per cent supporter ownership of the club. (Scotsman)

News in brief:

• Alan Irvine set to be sacked as manager of West Brom. (Various)

• Alan Pardew leaves Newcastle for Crystal Palace. (Mirror)