The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip

The Celtic trio of Gary Hooper, Kris Commons and Adam Matthews are not for sale, according to manager Neil Lennon. Southampton have been linked with top scorer Hooper, while Liverpool have been watching Welsh defender Matthews and Commons has been at the centre of speculation since rumours of a bust-up with Lennon earlier this season. But the Parkhead boss wants to keep his team together for the treble push: “It’s speculation. I’m not interested in anyone being sold unless the club receives a knock-out offer. Kris will be in contention for a place against Dundee United next weekend. Gary missed Peterhead because of a niggle and so did Adam.” (Record)

Lennon also revealed that he is putting Nigerian youngster Rabiu Ibrahim on trial. The attacking midfieler, 20, was released by Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven last week, and will now try to win a deal at Lennoxtown. Lennon said: “He has had a decent career. He trained yesterday and looked quite handy.” (Express)

Celtic’s Polish back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska is expected to sign a new three-year contract later this week. If Zaluska, who is out of contract in the summer, chose not to accept the deal, Celtic were ready to move for Hearts keeper Marian Kello. (Express)

After a week of speculation Rangers manager Ally McCoist has confirmed his interest in St Johnstone striker Francisco Sandaza, but says the Spaniard is just one of multiple targets in forward positions he has during the current transfer window, although The Scotsman understands Hibernian’s Garry O’Connor is not one of them.

McCoist also played down reports of a bid from Spanish club Malaga for Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor. “Happily the weather in Arbroath today wasn’t too bad, to make him change his mind,” said McCoist. “I think we would all be heading for Malaga in that case. But seriously, Allan is a massive part of our plans for the future. I can tell you right now I certainly don’t welcome any bids for Allan.”

Nikica Jelavic, who has been at the centre of intense speculation about a move to the Premiership, has given a strong hint that he is inclined to quit Ibrox. In an interview with a Croatian sports magazine, the 26-year-old said: “I have dreamed about playing in England for years. My goal is to play for a team with a serious ambition of playing in the Champions League. It is true that my club is in deep financial trouble... If they sold me it would get rid of the debt they have accumulated for years... If I had to pick a city it would be London.” (Record)

Sporting Gijon boss Manuel Preciado has ended rumours of a Rangers return for Nacho Novo. He said: “Novo is not leaving in this transfer window. The players brought to the club five months ago will be staying. I have faith in them,” (Record)

McCoist is confident that on-loan defender Kyle Bartley will be with Rangers for the remainder of the season, despite reports that Arsene Wenger might need him back at Arsenal. (Record)

Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu, who has been subject of interest from French club Sochaux, said that he is relaxed about the situation. “It’s always flattering to be linked with a different team but I’m just focused on our next game,” said Edu. “I’m enjoying my football here and feel I’m comfortable.” (Scotsman) But Rangers’ resolve could be tested if Sochaux raise their offer to £1million. The Express reports that club president Alexandre Lacomb is prepared to do just that.

Dundee United have signed Ross County midfielder Michael Gardyne on a pre-contract, with the 25-year-old expected to join the Tannadice club next season if he passes a medical this week. The First Division club were unable to match the finances involved and will have to let their top scorer go. (Express)

IN BRIEF

• Hibernian and St Johnstone will fight it out to sign Kilmarnock’s Dean Shiels until at least the end of the season. Shiels is at Rugby Park on loan from Doncaster Rovers. (Sun)

• Scott Allan will complete his move from Dundee United to Premiership side West Brom this morning, after passing a medical. (Record)

• Stirling Albion have signed former Raith Rovers midfielder Mark Ferry until the end of the season.

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