Rangers 3m boost over Celtic, Morelos foes join race for Ibrox target, Premiership interest in Hearts ace, Aberdeen star claims - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

We are set for another hectic weekend in the SPFL. The weather has disrupted games in recent weeks but there should be no issues across Saturday and Sunday.

Friday's Scottish football news. Picture: SNS

Rangers led Scottish football into the weekend with a barnstorming match in the Europa League. The Premiership league leaders defeated Antwerp 4-3 in Belgium on Thursday night in a topsy-turvy encounter where both sides led twice.

This weekend they host Dundee United as they look to take another step towards the league title, while there are key games at the bottom of the league with the relegation battle heating up.

In the background, clubs will still be looking towards the players on expiring deals with a view to the summer transfer window.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard admitted he is concerned about injuries to Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier. The key duo were taken off in the first-half of the club’s exciting 4-3 win over Belgian side Antwerp in the Europa League. The striker has another calf issue, while the club's captain appeared to suffer a knee injury in a block tackle. (The Scotsman)

Aberdeen's £800,000 signing Ronald Hernandez has left the club on loan. The Venezuelan international has joined MLS outfit Atlanta United. The right-back was expected to depart with the player allowed to leave the club in December on compassionate leave to see his young family. (Various)

David Martindale has hit out at the criticism of football during the pandemic and Nicola Sturgeon’s comments about the sport being privileged. The Livingston boss, expressing sympathy for Rangers, queried why the game was being held to a “higher authority”. (Daily Record)

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has revealed the club had to fend off interest in star striker Liam Boyce from Premiership sides during the summer. The Tynecastle manager made it known to Ann Budge when he returned from Dundee United that keeping the Northern Irishman was a priority. (Evening News)

French side Lille have entered the race to sign Rangers target Fashion Sakala. The talented Oostende star has netted 13 goals in 24 appearances in the Belgian top-flight, and is out of contract in the summer. The Zambian international has been linked to a host of clubs including the Ibrox side but no approach has been made according to Oostende. (Daily Record)

Rangers scored another win over Celtic, this time on social media. A report revealed the club had 5.29million interactions on social media during January, far more than Celtic’s 2.06million. It takes into account likes and comments across a number of social media platforms. (Deportes & Finanzas)

Hamilton striker Bruce Anderson has admitted that he feels wanted for the first time in his career under Brian Rice. The forward is on loan from Aberdeen and has been key in Accies’ turnaround, scoring two goals in four games. He said: “For me, I feel wanted here. I’ve not really felt that before. I’ve got a manager here that really wants me. I can feel that from him.” (Scottish Sun)

Dundee United have created a link-up with Brazilian giants Fluminense. The club’s under-20 boss made a presentation to United's youth coaches and followed the likes of Roma, Benfica and Hadjuk Split in doing so. The club are also looking to get Partizan Belgrade on board as they aim to develop better players. (The Courier)