Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk | Hearts

Virgil Van Dijk has dropped the biggest hint yet that he could be set to leave Celtic. Picture: TSPL

Virgil van Dijk drops biggest hint yet he could be set to leave Celtic

Virgil Van Dijk has dropped his biggest hint yet he wants a route out of Celtic as he insisted the Premiership is not a good enough standard.

A summer of speculation is certain with Celtic believed to be looking for around £10million before they would even consider doing business.

Arsenal, Spurs and Southampton have all been linked with van Dijk, with a host of Bundesliga clubs monitoring the 23-year-old too.

He said in a recent interview: “Celtic are a great club with a fantastic stadium and the fans are great.

“But the competition is not too good.

“I want to develop. If the opportunity is there, I would definitely consider a transfer.” (Daily Record)

The 'new pioneers' picture that is annoying Rangers fans. Picture: TSPL

Hearts close in on Croatian defender Niko Datkovic

Hearts are closing in on signing 22-year-old Croatian centre-back Niko Datkovic from HNK Rijeka.

The Evening News has learned that Tynecastle officials have spoken to the player’s agent as well as representatives of several other European-based defenders.

Head coach Robbie Neilson is looking to bolster central defence with skipper Danny Wilson leaving the club while Brad McKay has joined St Johnstone. (EEN)

Gary Teale insists he’s still the man to lead St Mirren

Gary Teale insists he’s still the man to lead St Mirren after the club announced they are looking for rival candidates.

The relegated Paisley club are preparing for life in the Championship as their nine-year stay in the top flight comes to an end.

Teale said: “It’s frustrating because I’m in there doing the job right now and feel I’m doing the best I can in the circumstances.

“But, if I look at the big picture and the way things have panned out this season, I can see where the board are coming from. They obviously want to see if there is a more suitable candidate than myself out there.” (Various)

Stubbs demands Jason Cummings makes better ‘lifestyle choices’

Hibernian head coach Alan Stubbs has told Jason Cummings in “no uncertain terms” what is expected of him after the teenager found himself again making headlines on the front pages of newspapers rather than the back.

Speaking at the club’s Spanish training base in La Manga last night, Stubbs said: “I think the way Jason responded to what happened was normal. He was worried and rightly so but with Jason and from the club’s point of view we expect the players to behave and live the right lifestyle.

“Jason knows in no uncertain terms what we expect of players and I can assure you will be changing. He needs to make better lifestyle choices. He has a responsibility. The club has a responsibility, it’s a family club and that will never be lost.” (Scotsman)

Rangers fans hit out at Ibrox ‘new pioneers’ painting

RANGERS fans have hit out at a new painting hung at the top of the marble staircase that celebrates the club’s Third Division title win.

The picture is titled the New Pioneers and features Ally McCoist, Lee McCulloch, Lee Wallace and Neil Alexander.

Some supporters are unhappy at a tribute they reckon the quartet don’t deserve - and have labelled the oil painting “embarrassing”. (Record)

Kenny Miller hoping for new Ibrox contract

Kenny Miller hopes he is still at Ibrox to help get Rangers back to the top of Scottish football next season.

The striker will look to fire Stuart McCall’s side into the play-off semi-final and another step towards promotion to the top flight when the Light Blues face Queen of the South on Sunday.

He said: “We want to get promoted and that is the immediate goal. Then we can sit down and see what happens.

“I want to stay where I am. I have said before that I love the place and my goal when I came back was to help the team get promoted and then ultimately get back to the top of Scottish football and challenging for that league.” (Evening Times)

Aberdeen are targeting Stevie May deal

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is gearing up for next season’s title tilt by placing Scotland striker Stevie May at the top of his transfer wishlist. Record Sport are reporting that McInnes has opened talks with Sheffield Wed boss Stuart Gray about the possibility of signing the striker on a season long loan. (Record)

Falkirk sell out Scottish Cup Final tickets

Falkirk yesterday sold out their initial allocation of 10,000 seats for this month’s Scottish Cup final within hours of the tickets going on public sale. (Scotsman)

English scouts run rule over Dundee United pair

A posse of English scouts headed for Perth on Saturday to run the rule over Dundee United pair John Souttar and Nadir Ciftci.

Watching teenager Souttar in his new midfield role were representatives of Arsenal, Southampton and Sunderland.

The Black Cats were also taking a look at Nadir Ciftci and there, too, to see the striker, were Wolves and Rotherham, whose manager Steve Evans made the trip himself. (Dundee Telegraph)

News in brief:

• Steven Thompson is demanding to know where he stands in St Mirren plans. (Sun)

• Pep Guardiola continued to play down speculation that he is set to leave Bayern Munich for Man city by insisting he will be at Munich next season (Various)

• Adel Tarrabt, Mauro Zarate, Armand Traore and Eduardo Vargas have been singled out as ‘bad eggs’ at QPR according to angry statements by Joey Barton and other members of staff. (Mirror)

Comment:

• Aidan Smith: Tynecastle had role in Hearts revival

Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk | Hearts | Gary Teale