Rumour Mill: Boyata for Celtic | Police probe brawl

Celtic signing target Dedryck Boyata arrives in Glasgow. Picture: SNS

Celtic close in on Dedryck Boyata

Celtic are on the verge of signing Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata on a three-year deal after the Belgian jetted into Glasgow late on Sunday night.

The 24-year old still has two years left to run on his contract but is desperate to leave City in search of first-team football.

It is thought a seven-figure fee will be required to seal the deal, while it is also rumoured City want to install a buy-back clause should Boyata fulfil his undoubted potential at Celtic. (Daily Mail)

Police to probe Motherwell v Rangers brawl

Police will launch an investigation into the mass brawl that occurred seconds after the conclusion of yesterday’s Motherwell v Rangers play-off final, second leg. Three players were sent off for their part but further punishment could come from the authorities after a full review is conducted. (The Scotsman)

Bilel Mohsni’s actions were disgraceful - McCall

Stuart McCall branded hot-head defender Bilel Mohsni “disgraceful” for attacking Lee Erwin following a confrontation at full-time.

McCall insists he didn’t see the incident at the time, but was still content to slam the Tunisian after speaking to referee Craig Thomson.

Since Mohsni is out of contract in the summer McCall wondered whether Rangers had any right to issue a punishment as it seems almost certain the player will leave the club. (Daily Mail)

• McCall believes his history in recruiting players makes him the best man to lead Rangers back to the top flight next season.

Rangers player Bilel Mohsni reacts during an incident after the Scottish Premiership Play Off Final. Picture: PA

The former Ibrox midfielder was pleased he managed to guide Rangers into the play-off final, something which he feels they weren’t capable of doing before he arrived, even though he was “disappointed” with the final outcome.

McCall’s contract expires in the summer and the 50-year old will sit down with the Rangers board in the next few days to discuss the future. (The Scotsman)

Baraclough wants to focus on positives

Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough doesn’t want the shameful scenes at the end of the SPFL Premiership play-off final to detract from his side’s achievements.

Paul Quinn close to signing for Aberdeen. Picture: SNS

Few observers picked the Fir Park club to triumph over two legs after a disappointing season saw them finish 11th, a feeling heightened by the fact they were facing a team they’d failed to defeat in over a decade.

Instead, Baraclough’s men comfortably won both games, and he would rather people focused on that rather than “10 seconds of madness”. (Daily Mail)

Paul Quinn set to sign for Aberdeen

Aberdeen are set to sign Ross County defender Paul Quinn as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of another run at the Scottish Premiership title.

Quinn played a key role in keeping Ross County in the Scottish Premiership and with Russell Anderson retiring, and Donervon Daniels returning to West Browm, there is a lack of depth at the centre back position for the Dons.

Quinn once commanded a £300,000 fee when he left Motherwell for Cardiff City back in 2009. (Press and Journal)

Cammy Bell fails to keep out a shot from Marvin Johnson. Picture: SNS

Jamie McDonald takes blame for cup final gaff

Jamie McDonald has taken his share of the blame for Falkirk’s defeat in Saturday’s cup final. The goalkeeper, playing in his third Scottish Cup Final with as many different clubs, failed to hold a late effort from Marley Watkins, allowing James Vincent to tap in the rebound.

“It’s almost a slow ball, I’ve saved it, I felt I had it under control, my trailing hand’s come over and knocked it wide and Vincent’s put it in,” said McDonald. (Daily Mail)

Johansen delighted to see Deila prove doubters wrong

Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen was delighted to see manager Ronny Deila prove his critics wrong after the Hoops got off to a rough start in the 2014/15 campaign. Johansen was always confident the team would come good after getting over the initial adjustment of having a new manager. (Evening Times)

• Scott Brown believes Celtic have proved they belong in the Champions League group stages as the Parkhead club look forward to the crucial qualifying campaign after the summer break. (Evening Times)

As good as it gets, says John Hughes

John Hughes admits Saturday’s triumph will likely be as good as it gets for his Inverness side. The ICT manager insists they will be determined to keep their high standards going next season, but had to be “realistic” with captain for the day Graeme Shinnie leaving for Aberdeen and goalscorer Marley Watkins likely to follow him out the door. (The Scotsman)

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