Rumour Mill: Chelsea target Karamoko Dembele | Hearts demand Cathro's head

Karamoko Dembele in action for Scotland's Under 16s. Picture: SNS Group

Chelsea target Celtic teen Dembele

Fresh from signing Rangers’ youngster Billy Gilmour, Chelsea are reportedly started moves to secure the signature of Celtic’s Karamoko Dembele.

Only 14 years old, the promising teenager has played for Celtic’s Under-20 side. He signed a new contract with the Glasgow club in June but that apparently hasn’t dampened Chelsea’s spirits.

The Premier League giants netted Gilmour on a development fee reported to be worth £500,000. (Scottish Sun)

Fans demand Cathro’s head

Hearts fans are calling for manager Ian Cathro’s head after leaving star man Jamie Walker on the bench as they crashed out of the Betfred Cup.

The under-fire boss however said he doesn’t feel under pressure.

Walker was reportedly angered after being told he wouldn’t be in the line up because of his attitude. The move may have backfired for Cathro who faced t he ire of Hearts fans after the team’s early elimination. (Various)

Walker left out over Rangers rumours

Embattled Hearts manager Ian Cathro told BBC Sport that Jamie Walker’s focus has slipped since speculation of a mover to Rangers started to swirl.

The winger’s contract expires in 2018 meaning he could move on for free at the end of the season. Hearts have been fighting to keep him, having rejected two bids for him from Rangers in June.

Cathro said Walker’s performance had suffered from a lack of focus as he explained why he had benched the player. (HITC)

Rodgers backs Forrest to lead Celtic

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers back James Forrest on Saturday night to lead Celtic in their Champions League midweek clash with Trondheim if Leigh Griffiths loses his fitness battle.

Calling him ‘outstanding’, Rodgers insisted the winger was in pole position to retain the captain’s armband in Norway on Wednesday.

He added: “I don’t know how Leigh is – I haven’t seen him since we left yesterday – but James proved he can come in if Leigh doesn’t make it.” (Scottish Daily Mail)

Christie hails Dons for forgiving social media rant

Ryan Christie hailed Aberdeen fans after giving him a second chance after their relationship got off to a bumpy start.

Arriving at Pittodrie on loan from Celtic last season, he was reminded of a social media rant he’d rather forget.

While at Inverness Caley, Christie tweeted calling them “sheep s******* c****”.

All is now forgiven as fans chant “we’re only sheep s******* b*******” after every goal he scores. (Sunday Mail)