Uefa’s “strong recommendation” for leagues to finish their season came with a caveat for “special cases”. Some viewed Scotland and the Ladbrokes Premiership as falling into that category. Yet, Rangers’ continued presence in the Europa League may make it difficult for the SPFL to call the season too early due to complexities which that brings.
The continent’s governing body meet again this week which could see some clarity on the situation, or maybe not. Meanwhile, league reconstruction talks have taken place and more discussion will be held in the coming days.
On top of that, there is, as always, transfer talk. Click and scroll through to see the latest from around the SPFL.
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 08: - Rangers manager Steven Gerrard (left) and Celtic manager Neil Lennon are pictured during the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic, at Hampden Park, on December 08, 2019, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) *Please note that this image is FREE for first use.*
The rumour mill. Picture: SNS | Other 3rd Party Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
. McBurnie wanted Rangers move
Oli McBurnie told his agent he wanted to play for Rangers before signing a new deal with Swansea City. The Scotland striker met with Steven Gerrard not long after he took over at Ibrox and was convinced that he wanted to play for the team he supports. However, he says it is now “financially out of the question”. (Open Goal) | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
. Celtic will wait for title
Celtic won’t be crowned champions this week with Uefa “strong recommendation” that all top flights and cup competitions be played to a conclusion. There is still hope amongst the governing body that games can be played in July behind closed doors before the Europa League and Champions League is finished in August. (Daily Record) | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
1. McBurnie wanted Rangers move
Oli McBurnie told his agent he wanted to play for Rangers before signing a new deal with Swansea City. The Scotland striker met with Steven Gerrard not long after he took over at Ibrox and was convinced that he wanted to play for the team he supports. However, he says it is now “financially out of the question”. (Open Goal) | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
2. Celtic will wait for title
Celtic won’t be crowned champions this week with Uefa “strong recommendation” that all top flights and cup competitions be played to a conclusion. There is still hope amongst the governing body that games can be played in July behind closed doors before the Europa League and Champions League is finished in August. (Daily Record) | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
3. Rangers recommended Hickey
Ex-Rangers ace Alex Rae has advised his former club to look to sign Hearts starlet Aaron Hickey. The pundit picked out the 17-year-old as one of the players in Scotland he would recommend to the Ibrox side. (Various) | Other 3rd Party Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
4. O'Donnell on future
Scotland right-back Stephen O’Donnell has admitted he is prepared to play the waiting game with regards to his future. The Kilmarnock ace has been offered a new deal with his current contract expiring at the end of May. O’Donnell is on furlough and is expected to have offers from down south with Dundee United interested. (Scottish Sun) | Other 3rd Party Photo: Bill Murray - SNS Group