Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist welcome | Celtic Shane Duffy interest | Niall McGinn back in training

Dave King says Ally Mccoist is welcome back at Rangers, Celtic consider move for Ireland defender Shane Duffy and Niall McGinn has been told to report back to training with Aberdeen.
Former  Rangers manager Ally McCoist. Picture: Robert PerryFormer  Rangers manager Ally McCoist. Picture: Robert Perry
Former Rangers manager Ally McCoist. Picture: Robert Perry

King says Ally McCoist welcome back at Ibrox

Rangers chairman Dave King has urged club legend Ally McCoist to end his Ibrox exile this season and told him he will always be welcome.

The former Light Blues boss hasn’t been back at his old stomping ground for a game since he was sacked in December 2014.

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McCoist’s only appearance at Ibrox was at the EGM last year at the shareholder vote which allowed King to grab power. (Record)

- King says McCoist would have won the Championship if his regime had been in charge at Ibrox

Rodgers considers move for Shane Duffy

Celtic manager Brendan Duffy will this week step up his move for defender Shane Duffy as he attempts to solve Celtic’s central defensive problems.

The Blackburn Rovers centre-half, 24, was dramatically sent off in the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 defeat against France this afternoon. (Celtic Quick News)

McGinn told to report back for training

Niall McGinn has been told to report back for training at Aberdeen tomorrow morning by manager Derek McInnes ahead of Thursday’s Europa League first qualifying round first leg clash with CS Fola Esch. (Scotsman)

Celtic given price for Millwall striker

Celtic have been told they will have to pay £2million to land Millwall striker Lee Gregory.

The 27-year-old was in prolific form for the Lions in the 2015-16 season with 26 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions and 18 League One strikes on the way to the play-off final. (Various)

Celtic have bid rejected for Scott Sinclair

Aston Villa have issued a hands-off warning over Scott Sinclair after rejecting a £1million bid from Celtic for the striker.

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New boss Brendan Rodgers is eager to make Sinclair his first signing, but has been told the 27-year-old is not for sale. (Various)

Celtic Ambrose headache

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could be set for a club versus country battle over Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose.

The Super Eagles have released a provisional 35-man squad for this summer’s Olympics in Rio.

Despite Ambrose not featuring in the group – which can contains three over-23 players – the 27-year-old is understood to be high up on the list compiled by the country’s coaching staff to still be called up for the Brazilian showpiece. (Herald)

Rangers consider move for defender

Rangers are weighing up a move for 24-year-old MK Dons full-back Lee Hodson who spent last season on loan at Kilmarnock. (Record)

Kilmarnock sign Aston Villa youngster

Former Aston Villa youngster Joshua Webb will be playing his football north of the border next season.

The 20-year-old right-back was one of six new signings unrelieved by Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock this week, joining Jamie Cobain, Callum McFadzean, Jordan Jones, Souleymane Coulibaly and Martin Smith at Rugby Park. (Various)

Ryan Gauld set for loan move

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Sporting Lisbon are understood to be considering letting former Dundee United midfielder go on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. The Scotland Under-21 international has struggled to break into the first team since his £3m move. (Various)

Fletcher attracting Greek interest

Celtic target Steven Fletcher is attracting the eye of several European clubs, according to a report.

It has been claimed that AEK Athens are eager to sign the 29-year-old forward when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Fletcher, who spent the majority of last season on loan in Marseille, has been targeted by Brendan Rodgers as he wants to use Fletcher’s proven Premier League quality in his first season at Celtic. (Sunderland Echo)

O’Neill angry at France’s “advantage’

Martin O’Neill watched Ireland crash out of Euro 2016 and was left wondering about the hosts three day advantage preparing for the match.

“A three-day differential is genuinely too much and it took its toll on us in the second half,” the former Celtic boss said.

“We knew at the start of the tournament when we were looking at it that after a really tough group, if we took our place in the last 16, the chances were there was going to be a big differential between us and some of the sides that we might play in the competition.

“France, it looked as if it was geared from them to win their group, which they did. Well done to them but three days is far too much. “ (Various)

Ross County sign defender

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Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has signed former Scotland defender Jay McEveley on a two-year contract.

The 31-year-old has played for a number of clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, Barnsley and Swindon Town. (SPFL)

Stephen Pearson bound for India

Motherwell are set to announce today the departure of experienced midfielder Stephen Pearson.

The 33-year-old has been a vital cog in the Fir Park club’s midfield over the last two seasons but is now poised to jet out to India.

Despite being under contract with the Ladbrokes Premiership club for another year, the former Scotland internationalist has been a target for Atletico de Kolkata who now appear to have got their man. (Various)

Raith target new strikers

Raith Rovers boss Gary Locke hopes he is closing in on attacking reinforcements after being left with only two strikers in his first-team squad.

The Stark’s Park side have just Mark Stewart and Lewis Vaughan on the books and Locke has quickly identified the position as one that needs strengthened. (Various)

Dunfermline consider move for midfielder

Dunfermline are weighing up a move for former Annan midfielder Josh Todd.

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The 22-year-old is currently on trial with the Pars and impressed during their first pre-season friendly against Partick Thistle on Saturday afternoon. (Various)

IN BRIEF

Greenock Morton have been linked to Christian Nade following his departure from Dumbarton

Aberdeen warmed up for Thursday’s Europa League qualifier at home to Fola Esch with a 3-0 friendly win over Brechin City

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