29-goal striker tipped to choose Rangers over Championship move, Celtic ace nears £3.5m MLS deal, Hibs open to possible Griffiths deal - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

Rangers have been linked with Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris. Picture: SNS

There were no shocks in the Scottish Cup on Friday night despite the three Premiership clubs being run close by lower league opposition.

The action gets back underway from 11.45am as Kilmarnock face Montrose before SPFL games and more Scottish Cup football this evening.

We are also getting to the part of the season where players are being lined up for moves, especially those on expiring contracts as clubs get their plans in order.

Here are all of the main Scottish football headlines and transfer news:

Ex-England international Kevin Phillips believes reported Rangers target Jonson Clarke-Harris would opt for a move to Ibrox ahead of the English Championship. The Peterborough United star is said to have been watched by the Scottish champions. Phillips said: “There’s going to be crowds in there next year and Ibrox is one hell of a place to play football.” (Football Insider)

Celtic will get £3.5million plus future add-ons with a deal taking Patryk Klimala to MLS set to be completed next week. New York Red Bulls is the player’s destination after struggling to make a big impact at Parkhead. (Daily Record)

Hibs boss Jack Ross revealed a return of Leigh Griffiths to Easter Road would be something the club would discuss if the opportunity arose. The striker could leave Celtic this summer with the Parkhead side having an option on the player. Ross said: “Is he a player we have admiration for? Of course, because his goalscoring record is up there with the best in Scotland over recent years.” (Evening News)

Former Celtic boss John Barnes doesn't reckon Leigh Griffiths and Scott Brown will be a great loss for the club. Brown has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Aberdeen, while Griffiths is rumoured to be leaving. Barnes said: "Leigh Griffiths hasn't been playing every weekend and Scott Brown is at the age now whereby he’s not necessarily on the pitch having that much influence on it moving forwards.” (BonusCodeBets)

Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton reckons interim boss John Kennedy had a “Pedro Caixinha moment” when he suggested his team were better than Rangers on their day. Sutton said: "I can't believe he said it. I know people are saying 'Well, he was asked a question' and his out was 'on our day' we're still the best team in the country. But the best thing John Kennedy could've done is just keep his mouth shut. This season Celtic have been humiliated on the pitch, Rangers have waltzed the league.” (BT Sport's Scottish Football Extra)

Fraser Forster has opened up on his decision to turn down a return to Celtic last summer. The Southampton goalkeeper opted against extending his stay at Parkhead following a successful loan spell. “I made the decision in the summer that I wanted to come back here and fight for my place," he said. Forster has now started five of the Saints’ last six Premier League matches. (Southampton FC)

Dundee United boss Micky Mellon is hopeful Peter Pawlett will stay at Tannadice. The midfielder has been linked with a return to St Johnstone where he had a successful loan spell while he was at Aberdeen. The 30-year-old, who has made 29 appearances this campaign, is out of contract at the end of the campaign. (Daily Record)