Rumour Mill: Warburton to Liverpool? | Celtic ‘missed out on Lewandowski’

Mark Warburton insists he is committed to Rangers. Picture: Kirk O'Rourke

Warburton ‘flattered’ by Liverpool link

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton has laughed off rumours linking him with the Liverpool job but admitted: “It’s always flattering to be linked to a job, especially a club of Liverpool’s size.”

Warburton was responding to the news that bookies had him down at 20-1 to succeed Brendan Rogers at Anfield, despite ex-Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp also being named as targets.

The Ibrox boss said: “We’re at a big club here and we have a job of work to do and we are very committed to Rangers.” (Daily Record)

Hoops ‘turned down chance to sign Lewandowski’

CELTIC had the chance to sign Robert Lewandowski six years ago, it has been revealed.

Hoops boss at the time Tony Mowbray was offered the Polish striker, then aged 20, by the man who had brokered deals taking Maciej Zurawski and Artur Boruc to Glasgow.

Lech Poznan were looking to raise money to pay for their new stand, and were touting around a raw Lewandowski for around £1.3 million.

But the Hoops were warned that Lewandowski ‘didn’t justify that kind of fee so early in his career’ by Glasgow agent Raymond Sparkes. (Daily Mail)

Van Dijk in Saints revelation

VIRGIL van Dijk has claimed he has learned more in four weeks at Southampton than he did in two years at Celtic.

The Dutch master is in line for his first Netherlands cap as the Oranje prepare for vital Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.

And the ex-Hoops stopper said: “At Southampton I am learning so much in every game I play - much more than I did in two years at Celtic.” (Scottish Sun)

Hoops ponder loan move for Wilson

CELTIC are reportedly lining up a loan move for Manchester United starlet James Wilson.

Striker Wilson has struggled for first-team action thanks to the form of Anthony Martial, with Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini ahead of him in the pecking order.

And Celtic’s involvement in the Europa League could convince United to let Wilson join up with fellow Old Trafford youngster Tyler Blackett, and former Red Devils star Saidy Janko at Parkhead.

Cole still an option for Celts

CARLTON Cole is still an option for Celtic despite picking up an injury, Ronny Deila has insisted.

The former West Ham striker is trying to win a contract with the Hoops after impressing during an initial trial, but he sustained a calf injury during training.

But with Deila keen to bolster his attacking options, Cole remains an option and the 31-year-old will be given the opportunity to build his fitness up and complete his trial stint. (Daily Record)

Boruc in Strachan plea

ARTUR Boruc last night urged Gordon Strachan to stay with Scotland, even if his Poland side end the Scots’ Euro 2016 qualification hopes tomorrow night.

Boruc, the former Celtic goalkeeper, worked under Strachan during his five colourful years in Glasgow.

“Gordon Strachan is a very good manager,” Boruc said. “He’s in a difficult situation with the national team at the moment because of their position in the group.

“Being a national team manager is a hard job and I think he might not like the fact he doesn’t get to see his players too often, unlike at Celtic where he watched the guys in training every day.

“Scotland have some great, great players though. They are an improving team and I think he should get another campaign. He’s doing a great job.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Bolton boss Neil Lennon has been charged by the FA after branding a referee ‘biased’

• Motherwell are reportedly keen on installing former Fir Park fans’ favourite Simo Valakari as their new boss

• Hibs boss Alan Stubbs has praised his defence after it emerged the Easter Road outfit have conceded fewer league goals than any other club in Britain

• Ronny Deila has urged Anthony Stokes to emulate Leigh Griffiths in order to save his Celtic career

• Hearts have disciplined Gavin Reilly after his red card against Kilmarnock

Rumour Mill: Warburton to Liverpool? | Celtic ‘missed out on Lewandowski’ | James Wilson