Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Snodgrass | Rangers statement | Stubbs targets signings

Celtic have been linked with Hull and Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass. Picture: Getty Images

Hoops linked with Snodgrass swoop

CELTIC have been linked with a summer swoop for Hull midfielder Robert Snodgrass.

New manager Brendan Rodgers looks set to revamp the Celtic side he inherited, with a number of players including Stefan Johansen, Emilio Izaguirre and Efe Ambrose looking likely to exit Parkhead. (Daily Express)

Rangers issue statement attacking Sturgeon and media

RANGERS have issued an extraordinary statement in response to the chaos at Hampden after the club lost in the Scottish Cup final to Hibernian, in which Nicola Sturgeon, the media and Hibs chairman Rod Petrie are attacked.

The statement from the Ibrox club even goes so far as to name individual members of the media, while criticising Ms Sturgeon for tweeting a congratulatory message ‘without any attempt to condemn the behaviour of Hibernian’s fans’.

The club has called for a ‘full independent investigation’ into the ‘shameful scenes’ and has claimed that the Rangers fans on the pitch were trying to ‘protect [Rangers] players and officials’. (The Scotsman)

Stubbs targets new signings

WITH Hibernian’s Europa League campaign beginning in mid-July, head coach Alan Stubbs has revealed that he is already planning for the next season.

Stubbs said: “We’ve already identified some players that we would like to bring to the football club to make it stronger. I’m planning for next season. We’re not going to rest on our laurels. There’s a lot of ambitious people behind the scenes here.” (BBC Scotland)

Barton drops Rangers hint

JOEY Barton has dropped a heavy hint that he will choose the Scottish Premiership over the English Premier League as he sent a handful of cryptic tweets.

The enigmatic midfielder, who is a free agent, has held talks with Rangers and tweeted song lyrics by Bob Dylan with the hashtag #WATP.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche had been hoping to hold onto Barton, who helped the Turf Moor outfit to promotion this season. (Various)

McGregor calls on new deal for Stubbs

HIBS defender and boyhood fan Darren McGregor has called on the club to offer Alan Stubbs a new deal after winning the Scottish Cup.

The former Rangers stopper, who played the 90 minutes at Hampden, scored against Raith Rovers in Hibernian’s run to the final. (Various)

Hearts face Kitchen Euro blow

HEARTS could be without Perry Kitchen for the start of their Europa League campaign after the midfielder was called up to the USA squad picked for the Cope America.

The former DC United enforcer has won four international caps but looks set to add to his collection after impressing during the second half of the season for Hearts. (Various)

Dons boss says Rodgers appointment is ‘huge statement’

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes, whose side ran Celtic close in the title race, has admitted that the appointment of Brendan Rodgers is a ‘huge statement’ from Celtic.

The Scotland on Sunday revealed how Dermot Desmond had been hell-bent on making a marquee signing as manager after witnessing the actions of Rangers directors during and after the Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final. (The Herald)

Clark vows to rebuild Killie

KILMARNOCK thrashed Falkirk to preserve their Scottish Premiership status but Rugby Park boss Lee Clark has vowed to be ‘ruthless’ in rebuilding the team.

Goals from Miles Addison, Kris Boyd and a brace from Greg Kiltie helped Killie overturn the 1-0 aggregate scoreline.

And Clark said the Rugby Park side had been ‘flirting with relegation’ for too long. (Various)

Brown excited by Rodgers arrival

SCOTT Brown has predicted a busy summer at Celtic, claiming the appointment of Brendan Rodgers will attract ‘huge’ players.

Celtic have already been linked with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Scott Sinclair as Rodgers looks to spent his £15 million transfer kitty on players capable of performing in Europe and sealing a sixth consecutive league title for the Hoops. (Various)

Ex-SFA chief blasts cops over Hampden chaos

GORDON Smith, the former Scottish FA chief executive and ex-Rangers player, has criticised cops after the Hampden pitch invasion.

Smith was critical of the ‘very slow’ response by police as ugly scenes marred the aftermath of the match. (The Herald)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Former BBC commentator Archie MacPherson described the Cup Final scenes as ‘distasteful’, but said there was ‘no comparison’ with the notorious 1980 Hampden riot

• Falkirk boss Peter Houston has vowed to strengthen his squad after the Bairns missed out on promotion to the Scottish Premiership

• Jason Cummings has said he can’t wait to play for Hibs in Europe after the club’s Scottish Cup win secured them entry into the Europa League

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Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Snodgrass | Rangers statement | Stubbs targets signings | Barton drops Rangers hint