Rumour Mill: Steven Fletcher ‘likely to go to Celtic’ | Celtic want Man City starlet | Duo to leave Rangers

Sunderland expecting Steven Fletcher to go to Celtic despite interest from China; Celtic hopeful of Bersant Celina loan deal and Rangers will allow Nicky Law and Nicky Clark to leave Ibrox

Celtic lead chase for Fletch

CELTIC are thought to be the main suitors for Steven Fletcher, despite the striker being linked with a move to China.

The ex-Hibs player is out of contract in the summer and Sunderland have put talks on hold while they battle relegation from the Premier League.

But Celtic are keen on Fletcher and it is believed the 28-year-old would be interested in negotiating a pre-contract deal - if wages aren’t a stumbling block.

Celtic wanted Fletcher during the summer but couldn’t fulfil his salary demands. (Sunderland Echo)

Hoops eye Man City starlet

CELTIC are hopeful of landing Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina on loan, afer Ronny Deila and John Collins met with officials at the Etihad.

Celina, a Kosovan midfielder, started his career under Deila at Stromsgodset as he grew up in Norway, before joining City’s academy in 2012.

And Deila could benefit with City set to send Celina out on loan for game time. He made his debut for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the FA Cup win over Norwich. (Daily Record)

Marko Leskovic deal looks unlikely for Hoops

CELTIC target Marko Leskovic looks to be on his way to Italy, with Serie A side Hellas Verona the likely destination.

The central defender is on Celtic’s shopping list but competition from Lazio and Club Brugge as well as Verona looks to have scuppered any potential deal. (Various)

Rangers to allow duo to leave

RANGERS are happy for Nicky Clark and Nicky Law to exit Ibrox if bids come in this transfer window, with the pair both wanted by a host of Championship and League One clubs in England.

Barnsley had been linked with both players but it is understood the club has been unable to agree personal terms with the midfielder and striker.

But both players will be allowed to leave Rangers with Josh Windass and Matt Crooks arriving in the summer, and the possibility of Toumani Diagouraga joining from Brentford. (Various)

Hibs line up bumper new deal for Cummings

HIBS are to offer Jason Cummings a bumper new deal in a bid to keep the hitman at Easter Road.

Cummings, who has scored 16 in 24 this season, has been linked with a host of clubs including Derby and Wolves, but Alan Stubbs is keen to hold onto the 20-year-old, who has 18 months left on his current contract.

A new deal would keep him in Leith until summer 2019. (Scottish Sun)

Hibs step up Stokes interest

HIBS have stepped up their interest in frozen-out Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, despite interest from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United and clubs in England.

Stokes, who is on £8,000-a-week, is reportedly keen to work with Alan Stubbs, and could step down a league to help Hibs in their promotion race. (Scottish Sun)

Michael O’Halloran ‘not for sale’

ST JOHNSTONE boss Tommy Wright has had no contact from Rangers over striker Michael O’Halloran, after the Ibrox club were said to be after the ex-Celtic youngster.

The Hoops had also been named in connection with the Saints forward but Wright insisted that neither the player or the club are interested in a transfer. (Scottish Sun)

Cammy Bell ‘begs for Aberdeen loan’

CAMMY Bell has reportedly begged Mark Warburton to sanction a loan move to Aberdeen, after the Dons were credited with an interest in the ex-Kilmarnock ‘keeper.

Warburton refused to give the nod to the deal yesterday, but it is understood Bell is keen for game time and has called on his boss to let the deal go through. (P&J)

Martyn Waghorn on English clubs’ radar

RANGERS striker Martyn Waghorn is attracting attention south of the Border thanks to his exploits in front of goal, with the ex-Wigan hitman a target for both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading.

Waghorn, who became the first UK-based player to hit 25 goals this season, has had spells in England with Sunderland, Charlton, Leicester, Hull, Millwall as well as the Latics. (Various)

Bairns chief calls for tough action on misbehaving fans

FALKIRK chairman Doug Henderson has called for ‘tough action’ on fans who misbehave at matches.

Police are probing claims of anti-social behaviour from Celtic fans at the recent cup match with Stranraer, and the SFA have suggested clubs could become responsible for the behaviour of fans.

Henderson added: “I’m in favour of people being responsible for their actions, in other words being liable, but one has to be practical.” (BBC)

Celtic fans back club’s stance on pyro fans

CELTIC supporters’ groups have backed the club’s stance on pyrotechnics after flares and smoke bombs delayed the start of the cup tie against Stranraer.

Three fans were banned and four supporters arrested, with an ongoing probe into anti-social behaviour and alleged sectarian singing.

And the Celtic Supporters’ Association (CSA), Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs and the Association of Irish Celtic Supporters’ Clubs representing thousands of fans, have backed the club, with CSA general secretary Joe O’Rourke branding the use of pyrotechnics ‘unacceptable’. (Eurosport)

Wi-Fi firm chases Rangers for £300k

Rangers’ Wi-Fi providers are seeking to have £300,000 ring-fenced from the club’s accounts for the duration of a legal case over an unpaid bill.

802 Works Ltd say they are owed the money for installing a Wi-Fi system at Ibrox.

An arrestment warrant for the sum was granted by a sheriff on December 31. (The Scotsman)

Nevin undergoes hair transplant

FORMER Scotland and Motherwell winger Pat Nevin has had a hair transplant, after being told that his TV work could dry up due to his receding hairline.

Nevin has said he is ‘very happy’ with his newly-acquired hair, adding: “I do feel younger; the pictures you see show that there has been an improvement.”

The pundit, who had spells with Chelsea and Everton, said it had been a ‘very positive experience’. (HRBR)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Manchester United have recalled Liam Grimshaw from Motherwell, knackering the Steelmen’s chances of keeping him on a permanent basis

• ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the popular terrace chant with Celtic and Liverpool fans, has been named the best football chant in European football in a CalcioMercato survey

• Ex-Torquay striker Alex Fisher says he is hopeful of emulating Jamie Vardy’s success after signing for Inverness Caledonian Thistle

• Celtic flop Amido Balde has been released by Metz without playing a single game and is headed for a club in Angola