Rumour Mill: Carlton Cole snubs US for Celtic

Former West Ham star Carlton Cole. Picture: Getty

Carlton Cole snubbed MLS for Celtic

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole turned down a chance to move to America in favour of securing a permanent deal with Celtic.

Cole is currently in training with the Hoops this week, having revealed that he snubbed a move to MLS after boss Ronny Deila reportedly convinced him to train with Celtic. (HITC)

Cole would be great addition to Celtic - Duffy

Former Chelsea youth coach Jim Duffy has backed Carlton Cole’s bid to join Celtic, reportedly saying he would make a good addition to the Celtic Park squad if they hired him.

On the other hand, he is apparently surprised that Celtic are interested in offering Cole a permanent deal, saying he didn’t believe that Cole would fit in with Deila’s system. (Scottish Sun)

Kilmarnock fail to land Mark Ridgers

Kilmarnock have reportedly failed to sign Mark Ridgers on an emergency loan deal.

Manager Gary Locke is now on the hunt for an emergency goalkeeper ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup clash with Hearts after losing four goalies.

Regular fixture in goals Jamie McDonald is out injured, as is loan signing Oliver Davies who has returned to Swansea. Conor Brennan is cup-tied and Devlin Mackay is on loan to Derby. (Scottish Sun)

Rayo Vallecano to swoop for Odegaard

Madrid outfit Rayo Vallecano have moved into pole position to secure Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard should his situation not change by January.

Odegaard - who was reportedly pursued by Celtic for months - has yet to see any first team action at the Bernabeu despite being highly-rated by manager Rafael Benitez.

Rayo Vallecano are rumoured to be keen on signing the midfielder on loan. (InsideFutbol.com)

Andy Halliday keen to silence doubters

Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday is reportedly keen to silence doubters in the first major test of manager Mark Warburton’s squad against St Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup.

Warburton’s team will be under greater scrutiny as they face their first top-flight opponents but Halliday has shrugged off the pressure.

“I see a lot of people saying that we’ll see where we’re at come Tuesday but we’re not really bothered about that we’re just looking forward to the game,” he said. (HITC)

- Mark Warburton insists his side would more than hold their own in the Scottish Premiership ahead of Rangers’ clash with St Johnstone.

He also maintains a loss against the Saints wouldn’t matter. So far under his regime, Rangers have 11 wins in 11 games under their belt. (Daily Mail)

Hibs defence ready for Aberdeen

Hibernian goalkeeper Mark Oxley says the Easter Road outfit are well-prepared for visitors Aberdeen ahead of their clash on Wedsneday.

Hibs boast six clean sheets from nine games,

Oxley said: “We’ve been working these last few days on preparing for what they’re going to throw at us. They’re really strong going forward. A few of the lads watched their game on Sunday against Hearts and saw how good they were, so we know what to expect.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Robin van Persie is ‘not very happy’ at Fenerbahce, having been left on the bench. The Turkish side face Celtic next month. (Daily Record)

• Ross County’s Stewart Murdoch is keen to replicate Falkirk’s success at Dingwall. (Daily Express)

• Aberdeen striker David Goodwillie insists the Dons will thrive under Premiership title race pressure. (Daily Mail)

• St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright believes his side can end Rangers winning streak. (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: Carlton Cole snubs US for Celtic | Gary Locke