The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s football news and gossip

Celtic linked with Diawara

Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge will not be joining Celtic. The Sun reports that City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed bemusement at Wayne Bridge’s reluctance to find another club, despite being told his future lies elsewhere; Mancini confirmed that Bridge had turned down a move to Parkhead.

• The Daily Express and The Sun report that Celtic are chasing Maritimo striker Baba Diawara, but face competition from French side Sochaux for the Senegalese frontman’s signature, reported to come at a cost of £3m.

Boyd could be a replacement for Jelavic - Smith

Nikica Jelavic’s possible transfer away from Rangers threatens to disintegrate the Glasgow side’s title aspirations, according to former boss Walter Smith, who is quoted in all of today’s back pages. Smith adds that, should Jelavic decide to pack his bags (or have them packed for him), then free agent Kris Boyd would offer a solution.

Jonsson heads for Tynecastle exit

The Express, The Sun and The Daily Mail also report the possible departure of Eggert Jonsson from Hearts after the Iceland international allegedly agreed terms with Wolves yesterday afternoon, subject to a medical and all the usual formalities.

Sligo striker expected to join Hibs

Better news for Easter Road as their attempts to sign Sligo Rovers striker Eoin Doyle may well bear fruit - a Rovers club spokesman confirmed that Doyle would be “interested” in signing for Pat Fenlon’s side, according to the Mail and The Daily Record. Meanwhile, the Express reports that Fenlon will allow Junior Agogo and Matt Thornhill to leave the club in January.

Saints to let Haddad go

St Mirren have decided to part ways with Ilias Haddad, according to The Sun and the Record. Saints manager Danny Lennon said that the Dutch defender had failed to agree terms with the club for an extension after his arrival in August on a short-term deal.

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