Rumour Mill: Celtic to miss out on Gunter | Warburton slams '˜local loans'

Chris Gunter in action for Wales against Northern Ireland. Picture: Getty Images

Celtic to miss out on Gunter

HULL City are set to beat Celtic to the signing of Wales international defender Chris Gunter, according to reports.

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers had been weighing up a move for the Reading right back but the Tigers look set to trigger Gunter’s £1.1 million release clause.

Hull boss Steve Bruce is reportedly keen on bringing in a replacement for Moses Odubajo, who was ruled out for six months earlier this week with a knee injury. (The Sun)

Warburton hits out at ‘nonsense’ local loans

MARK Warburton has hit out at the academy system in Scottish football, claiming it is stunting the development of the country’s best talent and undermining the progress of the Scotland team.

On the day he let Tom Walsh join St Mirren on loan, Warburton slammed the ‘lack of willingness’ to send young Scottish players further afield in the formative stages of their careers.

“There is a long-held mentality that we just send them local. It’s nonsense. We just have to challenge them. People say there aren’t enough players coming through to help the national team.

“There are some really good young players in Scotland. But are we giving them the best chance to make that transition?” (The Scotsman)

Messi set to miss Celtic friendly

LIONEL Messi won’t take part in Barcelona’s friendly with Celtic after the Argentinian forward and 16 of his Nou Camp team mates were given extended time off.

Messi, who played in the Copa America, has been given more time off along with the likes of Brazilian ace Neymar, Spanish quartet Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba and new signings Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.

However, former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could take part alongside the rising stars of Barcelona’s La Masia academy. (Daily Record)

Fyvie to miss Danish trip

FRASER Fyvie is set to miss Hibernian’s Europa League clash with Brondby due to a knee injury.

The midfielder has been struggling to fully shake off the effects of the anterior knee ligament damage which sidelined him from the start of February until April, and he missed the first leg last week.

However, Hibs defender Jordon Forster could travel with the squad having played and scored for a Hibs XI in an 8-1 win over Coldstream. (Evening News)

Kitchen out of Birkirkara tie

PERRY Kitchen is out of Hearts’ Europa League qualifying return leg against Birkirkara.

A scan on the midfielder’s hamstring confirmed a strain which sidelines him for Thursday’s tie at Tynecastle and although not serious, the club are keen not to rush the US star back to action. (Evening News)

Hearts take Appiah on trial

HEARTS have taken Marcel Appiah on trial as they seek to bolster their defensive options.

Capable of playing at centre half or at right back, the former Arminia Bielefeld and Nijmegen ace is seeking to win a deal at Tynecastle.

But Liam Donnelly, who played for Hearts as a trialist against Dunfermline, has failed to secure a contract. (Evening News)

Leeds set to miss out on Stewart

LEEDS look set to miss out on Dundee forward Greg Stewart, as Paul Hartley sought to dispel speculation linking the former Rangers kid with a move away from Dens Park.

The forward, who suffered an injury on the Dark Blues’ pre-season tour of Austria, is very much in Hartley’s plans and has returned to training ahead of Dundee’s clash with Dumbarton.

Stewart had also been linked with a return to Ibrox but looks set to remain on Tayside for this season. (Evening Telegraph)

Denayer on Arsenal radar

FORMER Celtic defender Jason Denayer has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

The Belgian defender, who performed well alongside Virgil van Dijk, started just 15 matches on loan for Galatasaray last season and could leave Manchester City.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen on bringing in a defender with Laurent Koscielny out of contract next summer. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Joey Barton will finally make his bow as a Rangers player tonight as the Ibrox side take on Annan Athletic

• Paddy McCourt won’t be signing for hometown side Derry City after a potential move fell through. The former Celtic winger is reportedly angling for a return to Northern Ireland

• Sam Stanton is targeting a return to the Hibs first team after spending last season on loan at Livingston

Rumour Mill: Celtic to miss out on Gunter | Warburton slams '˜local loans' | Fyvie out of Brondby clash