Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk to Southampton? | Jason Denayer | Rangers v Hibs

Virgil van Dijk will play for Celtic against Malmo as Hoops chiefs claim the defender is not going to Southampton. Picture: SNS

Hoops rubbish van Dijk Southampton talk

CELTIC have vehemently denied claims that Virgil van Dijk has all but agreed a £10 million deal to join Southampton.

A Hoops spokesman said: “The story is absolute nonsense and Virgil will play on Tuesday [against Malmo]. We have no agreement with any club.”

Van Dijk has been linked with a string of clubs after impressing for Celtic but looks set to start against Malmo in Sweden tomorrow. (Evening Times)

Malmo star targets van Dijk over transfer talk

MALMO defender Rasmus Bengtsson has claimed that Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk’s head will be all over the place at the Swedbank Stadion on Tuesday.

Van Dijk has been linked with a move to Southampton but Celtic chiefs have said he will play against Malmo.

But Bengtsson reckons the Dutch stopper will ‘have other things in his head’ as Malmo look to capitalise on Celtic’s slender advantage. (The Scottish Sun)

Denayer linked with Galatasaray and Sunderland

MANCHESTER City could be set to send Jason Denayer out on loan again this season - but Celtic look likely to miss out on the Belgian stopper.

Reports last week hinted that Ronny Deila could look to bring Denayer back to Glasgow for a season but the player’s agent is reportedly holding talks with Turkish cracks Galatasaray and Sunderland while Marseille were linked yesterday with the defender. (Various)

McGeouch blasts referee over handball

HIBS midfielder Dylan McGeouch has blasted referee Steven McLean over the free kick that led to James Tavernier’s winner at Ibrox on Sunday claiming that there was nothing he could do to stop the ball hitting his arm.

McGeouch, who sealed a permanent move to Hibs on Friday, was penalised for a handball in the second half but felt a free kick shouldn’t have been given.

Hibs passed up a host of chances to take the lead at Ibrox before Tavernier’s free kick handed Rangers victory. (The Scottish Sun)

Warburton wants more from Rangers

DESPITE maintaining a perfect start under the ex-Brentford boss, Mark Warburton has demanded more from his Rangers side.

The Gers saw off rivals Hibs at Ibrox on Sunday, making it six wins out of six but Warburton is adamant his side can offer more.

“To have a packed stadium at Ibrox and to get the right result and six wins out of six is of course pleasing,” said Warburton. “But we’ve got to accept we fell below the levels we want at certain times today and we’ll analyse that and learn from it.” (The Scotsman)

Armstrong set for Scotland call-up

STUART Armstrong is set to be rewarded for his performances for Celtic by receiving a call-up to the Scotland squad.

Gordon Strachan is due to name his side for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers and Armstrong is in line to win his first cap. (Daily Record)

Hearts can challenge Celtic, claims Oshaniwa

HEARTS defender Juwon Oshaniwa has claimed that the Jambos can challenge Celtic for the title.

The Nigerian international, who stated that ‘everything is possible’ in football, added: “Of course we can win the title.

“That is the reason why I am here. I didn’t just come here for a picnic, I came to be celebrated.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Gary Locke won’t quit despite Kilmarnock’s 4-0 humbling at the hands of Ross County

• Mark Warburton has said Gedion Zelalem will have to ‘earn pitch time’ at Rangers

• John Hughes has admitted he needs a striker to bolster his Inverness CT squad. Dani Lopez is the Caley Jags’ only recognised striker