The Rumour Mill: Friday’s Scottish football news and gossip

We’re close to signing up Gary Hooper, says Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon has said that he believes Celtic will soon sign a new long-term deal with striker Gary Hooper. The 24-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his current contract, has been the subject of speculation throughout the club’s Champions League run.

Lennon said: “I would think we can get an agreement pretty soon. I speak to Gary once a week on it and he’s quite comfortable with it. I don’t think we’re far away.” The Celtic manager also insisted that he has no desire to see star players like Hooper or Victor Wanyama leave the club. (Daily Record)

Kenny Miller a target for St Mirren and Hibs

St Mirren have made an approach to sign Scotland striker Kenny Miller, but face competition from Hibernian. The former Scotland captain, currently starting a winter break at his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, is said to be keen to continue playing and is looking to negotiate a deal with his club, the Vancouver Whitecaps.

St Mirren boss Danny Lennon admitted that the club had contacted Miller. He said: “We’ve had initital contact with Kenny and now we’re awaiting news.” (Herald)

Rangers should have no worries about plastic, says Montrose boss

Montrose manager Derek Sim has assured Ally McCoist that his Rangers side have nothing to fear from the plastic pitch at Links Park. Sim said: “I think he’ll find the pitch will be in 100 per cent condition.” Rangers winger David Templeton was out for three months earlier this season after picking up an ankle injury on Annan Athletic’s plastic turf. (The Sun)

Still no new deal for Craig Brown

Aberdeen boss Craig Brown is yet to be offered a new deal at Pittodrie, despite his current contract ending this summer. It is believed that the Aberdeen board are holding their fire until the season progresses further, with vice-chairman George Yule saying pre-season that anything other than European qualification would be a failure. (Daily Record)

SPL chief Neil Doncaster holds fresh reconstruction talks

Neil Doncaster has held talks with Raith Rovers chairman Turnbull Hutton, who last month dubbed the SPL a failed brand, over the league’s reconstruction plans. The talks, which also involved Morton chief Douglas Rae, are believed to have centred on Doncaster’s proposals to keep a 12-team top league along with a 12-team first division. (The Sun)

Marvin Andrews tells Rangers fans to ‘keep believing’

Ex-Rangers defender Marvin Andrews has said that he expects Rangers to be back at the top of Scottish Football soon. He told the club’s website: “As I keep telling everyone, keep believing and keep doing what you’re doing because it is achieving good things.

“The unity at the club is pulling everyone together. I am sure there are plenty of other clubs which, if they were faced with the same situation, would have folded.” (Daily Express)

Football news in brief

• Kris Boyd could be on the way out of the Portland Timbers, as the MLS side begin a post-season clearout. The former Scotland international scored just seven goals in 27 appearances for the club this season. Former Elgin City and Ross County midfielder Adam Moffat has signed a new deal with the league’s Houston Dynamo. (The Sun/ Daily Express)

• Dunfermline are planning a ‘supporters’ wall’ at East End Park, as one of a number of ways for fans to invest in the struggling First Division club. (Daily Record)

• Former Aberdeen and Motherwell boss Mark McGhee could face the sack after his current side, Bristol Rovers, dropped into the relegation zone at the bottom of League Two with losses in eight of their last 10 games. (The Sun)