Rumour Mill: Celtic plan bid for midfielder | Larsson's son attacked | Halliday won't give up
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Celtic eye move for Mutch
Celtic are ready to bid £2.5million for out-of-favour Crystal Palace midfielder Jordan Mutch. The 24-year-old, who the Eagles signed from QPR for £4.75m two years ago, has been told that he has no future at Selhurst Park. Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his squad in January and is an admirer of the Englishman, although his wages – currently around £35,000 per week – could be a stumbling block. Aston Villa are also monitoring Mutch’s situation. (Daily Record)
Larsson’s son attacked after Helsingborgs go down
Jordan Larsson, the son of Celtic legend Henrik, was attacked by angry Helsingborgs fans after the Swedish side were relegated from the Allsvenskan last night. Larsson Snr currently manages the club and he had flares and chairs thrown at him as they lost out to Halmstad in a relegation play-off. A furious mob confronted Jordan, ripping the shirt off his back and lashing out at the 19-year-old. Henrik said: “I didn’t see the attack on Jordan. If I had I would’ve gone in there ready to fight. If they want to come to me, they can come. We have got a lot of dogs at home. It is not a problem. I don’t understand why they should do this to the best player this season.” (The Sun)
Busquets: We must improve for Celtic game
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Hide AdBarcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets slammed his team-mates and demanded improvement for Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Celtic after the Catalans were held at home by Malaga in La Liga. The Spaniards, who were without Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, could not break down their opponents in what is now their worst start to a domestic campaign in 13 years. Busquets said: “We created danger, but lacked spark. We have to improve for the Celtic game.” (various)
Kilmarnock hope to land O’Connell on loan
Kilmarnock are leading the chase for a loan move for young Celtic defender Eoghan O’Connell. The 20-year-old played in the Bhoys’ early Champions League ties, but is behind more senior centre-backs at Parkhead and Rodgers is ready to give him more game-time away from Glasgow. “We have had a couple of enquiries for Eoghan in terms of a loan,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s a young player that needs to play games. There’s a few clubs that are interested in him so we will see.” (HITC)
Rangers won’t give up chase, says Halliday
Determined Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday insists Rangers won’t give up the title race despite being 11 points behind their rivals. Speaking after the Gers’ 1-0 win over Dundee, Halliday said: “No disrespect to Celtic, but we can’t settle for second. We have to try to chip away at the lead, get as many wins as we can and with it a bit of momentum and hopefully claw it back.” (various)
Hughes mystified over Adam’s Scotland omission
Stoke manager Mark Hughes says he’s been left baffled by the Scot’s snub from the national team, insisting that the Potters midfielder can’t be omitted for too much longer. “Unfortunately in Charlie’s case, he seems to be outside of Scotland’s thinking,” said Hughes, “but if he keeps playing as well as he has done then he can’t be ignored.” (various)
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