Rumour Mill: Warburton to Aston Villa? | Mixu eyes Mikael Forssell

Mark Warburton is a reported target for Aston Villa. Picture: SNS

Warburton on Villa radar

MARK Warburton is reportedly on Aston Villa’s shortlist of replacements for Tim Sherwood, as the Villa Park board weigh up their options.

Ex-Spurs boss Sherwood is set to be given a handful of games to turn things around, but it is understood that David Moyes is currently Villa’s number one target is Sherwood is emptied.

But Gers boss Warburton, tipped for a Premier League job before joining Rangers, is also in the frame, while Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes could also be in the running. (Various)

Mixu eyes Forssell

MIXU Paatelainen could tempt countryman and ex-Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell to Tannadice as he looks to bolster his Dundee United squad.

The 34-year-old, currently a free agent, was signed by Chelsea from HJK in 1998, but in seven years only made 33 league appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit, spending most of his time on loan at Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Paatelainen has been told he can strengthen the United squad and with just nine goals to their name, firepower is believed to be a key area. (Daily Record)

Johansen sheepish over back injury

STEFAN Johansen has admitted he was stupid to play with a niggling back injury, adding that he feels it has hampered his form this season.

The Norwegian playmaker has come under fire from fans for some below-par performances this season. (Various)

Cole close to Hoops deal despite Bolton interest

CARLTON Cole is reportedly close to signing on the dotted line for Celtic after an injury-hit trial period.

The ex-West Ham striker is also a target for former Celtic boss Neil Lennon at Bolton, but it looks likely that Cole will put pen to paper on a deal in Glasgow. (The Sun)

Deila ‘can manage in EPL’, says Solskjaer

NEW Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Ronny Deila has the ability to manage in England.

The former Manchester United and Norway forward said the ‘natural step’ would be for his countryman to take charge of a team in the English top flight. (The Sun)

SFA to learn Scotland-Poland fate

THE Scottish FA is set to find out if it faces punishment for its handling of Scotland’s recent 2-2 draw with Poland.

Flares were set off by visiting fans and a young fan ran onto the pitch to take a selfie with Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich striker scored a late equaliser to deny the Scots victory. (Various)

Clark says rough treatment will inspire Oduwa

NICKY Clark believes the rough treatment dished out to team-mate Nathan Oduwa will inspire him to become a better player and try even harder.

Clark added that Oduwa ‘won’t go into his shell’ after he was subbed at half time after some meaty challenges in the 1-0 Petrofac Cup win over Livingston. (The Herald)

Stubbs urges call-up rethink

HIBS boss Alan Stubbs has urged a rethink on the international call-up rule that could see his side face Livingston without key duo John McGinn and Jason Cummings.

Clubs can request games to be switched if three players are away on international duty - as Hibs did for their match with Falkirk, as Cummings, McGinn and youngster Scott Martin were all on international duty.

And Stubbs wants the rule to be looked at, adding: “I don’t see why it has to be three. Even if it’s one, it could be your main striker - so how doesn’t that give the opposition an unfair advantage?” (Evening News)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Arnaud Djoum is in line for his first start for Hearts against Ross County after impressing following his signing

• Ex-Hearts defender Adam Eckersley played for Hibs’ development side in their 3-0 loss to Rangers yesterday

• Mark Burchill has insisted he didn’t target Nathan Oduwa during the Petrofac Cup clash with Rangers - and neither did his players

Rumour Mill: Warburton to Aston Villa? | Mixu eyes Mikael Forssell | Molde v Celtic