Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Simunovic | Denayer | Rangers want Swift

Jozo Simunovic is believed to be a target for Celtic - but could prove to be a costly acquisition. Picture: Getty

Watch Rangers target John Swift score a worldy for Chelsea’s youth side

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton could add Chelsea youngster John Swift to his growing number of Ibrox kids, with the England Under-20 midfielder in line to arrive at Murray Park today.

Portsmouth-born Swift made 20 appearances for Swindon on loan last season and could face Hibs on Sunday. (The Sun)

Celtic keen on Simunovic

CELTIC have got the ball rolling in their bid to land Dinamo Zagreb star Jozo Simunovic, according to reports.

Celtic chief Peter Lawwell flew to the Croatian capital to meet his opposite number at Dinamo, Zdravko Mamic, for talks over the highly-rated 21-year-old defender with a fee in the region of £3.5m mentioned as a starting point.

But with interest from Lyon, Bayern Munich and a host of other top German sides, Celtic could face a battle to lure the £4m-rated Simunovic to Glasgow with Mamic likely to hold out for the player’s full valuation. (Daily Mail)

Hoops keeping tabs on Denayer

CELTIC are also believed to be keeping tabs on Jason Denayer’s situation at Manchester City.

Manuel Pellegrini has been linked with a move for Valencia stopper Nicolas Otamendi and could allow Denayer more first-team football if that move goes through.

Celtic would undoubtedly face competition for the Belgian defender but should they beat Malmo, the lure of European football could tempt Denayer back to Glasgow. (Various)

Scepovic could leave Celtic for Valladolid

CELTIC flop Stefan Scepovic could be set to resurrect his career with Spanish outfit Real Valladolid.

The Serbian striker was at Sporting Gijon before joining Celtic, but has managed just six goals in 26 games for the Hoops across all competitions.

And the Segunda Division outfit are reportedly keen on bolstering their squad while Scepovic has made just one sub appearance for Celtic this season. (Daily Mail)

Vuckic ‘won’t return to Rangers’

MARK Warburton has ruled out an Ibrox return for Newcastle United’s Haris Vuckic.

The Slovenian star has been told he can leave St James Park but it looks unlikely that the fans’ favourite will be returning North.

Warburton said the 22-year-old ‘wasn’t an option’ for the Gers. (The Sun)

Hibs close to Insall deal as Easton joins on trial

HIBERNIAN could add Jamie Insall to their squad in the coming days with rumours that the striker has agreed a deal at Easter Road.

Insall, a prolific goalscorer in the English non-league set-up, has been training with Hibs with a view to a move.

Meanwhile, former St Johnstone starlet Dylan Easton is on trial with Hibs. (Various)

Buddies want Webster

IAN Murray is keen on bringing former Hearts captain Andy Webster to Paisley as he seeks to bolster the St Mirren squad.

Webster, 33, was released by Coventry in the summer and was invited to train with the Buddies in a bid to keep his fitness up.

The ex-Scotland star has said his fitness levels are fine after doing a full pre-season with the Sky Blues. (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• St Johnstone defender Gareth Rodger has joined Ballymena United on loan

• Glasgow City will be seeded for the draw of the last 32 of the Women’s Champions League on Thursday

• Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough has joined supporters’ group the Well Society

Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Simunovic | Denayer | Rangers want Swift | Vuckic