Rumour Mill: Celtic bid for Sinclair | Cammy Bell snubs Hibs & Hearts | Joe Allen to Celtic?

Scott Sinclair, seen here celebrating a goal for Aston Villa, is wanted by Celtic. Picture: Getty Images

Celtic put in bid for Sinclair

CELTIC have made a formal bid for Aston Villa winger Scott Sinclair as Brendan Rodgers looks to bring in his top targets.

Sinclair, 27, has been high up on Rodgers’ shopping list since his arrival at Parkhead, and Celtic have reportedly offered £2 million for the former Swansea and Manchester City wideman.

It was Sinclair’s hat-trick in the play-off final that booked Swansea’s passage into the Premier League and Rodgers will be keen on a reunion with the former England Under-21 star. (Scottish Sun)

Bell snubs Edinburgh clubs to sign for United

CAMMY Bell reportedly turned down both Hibernian and Hearts as he looks set to sign for Dundee United.

The 29-year-old ‘keeper, who suffered from injury last season, has been linked with a number of clubs over the past six months but looks likely to complete a move to Tayside.

Bell made 57 appearances for Rangers and had spells at Montrose and Queen of the South during his time at Kilmarnock. (Various)

Cup final was ‘game too far’ admits Warburton

In his first comments on the Scottish Cup final, Mark Warburton yesterday chose to restrict himself largely to the outcome of the game - which saw his Rangers side lose 3-2 to Hibernian.

He admitted the game had been a let-down. “It was disappointing to finish a good season on that note,” said Warburton, whose side won the Championship.

“It was just a game too far in terms of the depth of our squad in terms of what we had on the bench. The papers spoke about me making a statement [in only naming five substitutes]. There was no statement. That is all we had because of the loan system. When we send players out on loan we send them out for their long-term development. But by the rules, we can’t then recall them and play them.” (The Scotsman)

Rodgers refuses to rule out Allen move

BRENDAN Rodgers has refused to rule out a move for Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen, cryptically telling reporters: “I always look at all my former players... Joe is a wonderful player.”

Celtic were linked with the Wales international earlier this year, and the Carmarthen-born midfielder is currently at the Euros with Wales.

But Rodgers could test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid after the Euros is over. (STV Sport)

Gilks to Rangers?

MATT Gilks has been linked with Rangers as a possible replacement for the outgoing Cammy Bell.

Gilks, who is currently with Burnley, had been linked with Hearts but the Jambos brought in Paul Gallacher and look set to stick with Jack Hamilton as first choice ‘keeper.

And with Rangers currently in the market for a back-up to Wes Foderingham, Gilks could be tempted by a move north. (Scottish Sun)

McGinn heads south

DUNDEE defender Paul McGinn has completed a move to Chesterfield, after deciding against renewing his contract at Dens Park.

Brother of Hibs star John, McGinn had been linked with a move to Easter Road last season, but looks set to join older brother Stephen - currently at Wycombe - in England. (Various)

United keen on Dons forward and ex-Celtic striker

DUNDEE United are keen on bringing Aberdeen striker Cammy Smith to Tannadice - but Dons boss Derek McInnes has stressed that no deal will be done while Aberdeen are in Europe.

Ray McKinnon has identified the young hitman as a potential loan signing as he looks to bolster his United squad, but McInnes will be reluctant to let the talented striker leave Pittodrie while his team are playing in the Europa League.

United are also keen on former Celtic striker Denny Johnstone, also on a loan deal. (Evening Telegraph)

Warburton blasts Ibrox exit rumours

RANGERS manager Mark Warburton has hit out at the “rumour-mongers” who suggested he had disappeared never to return in the summer and that he had rejected a new contract.

Nothing was seen or heard from Warburton in the wake of the Scottish Cup final loss to Hibs - with no Ibrox players or official attending the post-match press conference after the on-field chaos at Hampden – but the Englishman said yesterday he was perplexed that this led to so much unfounded title-tattle.

“The mystery is that I had three weeks off, of which I had ten days in Florida, three days at home - three - and seven days at St George’s Park doing my Pro Licence,” he said. “I’m being nearly divorced by the missus but apart from that, that was my summer! I can’t control speculation. I can’t control the rumour-mongers.

“The owner [Dave King] has been busy with a number of things to do with the club, doing great work – him and the board. We opened discussions and I’m sure they’ll continue, but there’s nothing more mysterious than people being busy or having a summer break.” (The Scotsman)

Dumbuya blow for Partick

PARTICK Thistle right-back Mustapha Dumbuya faces a lengthy absence after rupturing an Achilles tendon.

The 28-year-old Sierra Leone international suffered the injury at the weekend, ahead of Thistle’s return to full pre-season training on Tuesday.

The club have not put a timescale on Dumbuya’s recovery but he is likely to face about six months out. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• St Mirren have signed former Dundee and Rangers defender Gary MacKenzie on a one-year deal

• Charlie Adam is a target for Burnley as Sean Dyche looks to supplement his squad for their first season back in the Premier League

• Aberdeen goalkeeper Neil Alexander has claimed Hearts pulled the plug on a new contract at the 11th hour - after both parties had initially agreed a new deal at Tynecastle

• Dave King has called on Rangers fans to choose a new name for the club’s training ground at Auchenhowie, which was initially named after former owner Sir David Murray

Rumour Mill: Celtic bid for Sinclair | Cammy Bell snubs Hibs & Hearts | Joe Allen to Celtic? | Rangers eye Gilks