Rumour Mill: Ciftci & Ødegaard for Celtic

Nadir Ciftci is set to complete a move to Celtic today. Picture: PA

Celtic to complete deal for Nadir Ciftci

Celtic are expected to complete the signings of striker Nadir Ciftci and goalkeeper Logan Bailly today as they continue to bolster their squad ahead of the Champions League qualifying campaign.

Two previous offers from Celtic had been rejected by United whose valuation of the 23 year old had been met by Wigan Athletic last week.

But Ciftci was unwilling to make the move to the English League One club, instead holding out for the chance to join Celtic and the prospect of Champions League football. (The Scotsman)

Martin Ødegaard ‘to join Celtic on loan’ - reports

Celtic have reportedly won the race to sign Martin Ødegaard on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.

Italian sports website TuttoMercatoWeb are reporting that the Hoops have beaten off competition from Getafe, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Malaga to land the Norwegian starlet on loan for the 2015/16 season.

Should the deal be confirmed, it will see the 16-year-old link up with former manager and mentor Ronny Deila, who gave a 15-year-old Ødegaard his debut at Stromsgodset. (The Scotsman)

Rangers to run rule over trialists against Spurs

Rangers will not make any decisions on the current batch of trialists at the club until they have been assessed in their first pre-season friendly on Friday.

The Ibrox side will face a Spurs XI in a closed-door fixture at the Tottenham training ground during a trip to London.

Among those who could line up for Rangers are former Manchester City and Doncaster full-back Reece Wabara, ex-Livingston, Middlesbrough and Bradford City midfielder Andy Halliday and Northern Ireland youth international midfielder Jordan Thompson who has just been released by Manchester United. (The Scotsman)

Hibs close to signing Keith Watson

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs has revealed he’s closing in on a deal to bring former Dundee United defender Keith Watson back to Easter Road.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Capital club and the out of contract Watson jumped at the chance to join Stubbs’ squad at their pre-season training camp in La Manga. (Evening News)

No Rangers return for Lee McCulloch

Former Rangers captain Lee McCulloch will not be returning to the club as a member of the backroom staff.

The player, just released by Rangers last month, had been linked with a coaching role in new boss Mark Warburton’s set-up.

However, assistant boss David Weir, an old teammate of McCulloch’s, yesterday denied the rumours. (Evening Times)

Davie Weir: Absence of scouts an issue at Rangers

David Weir admits Rangers’ lack of scouting network is hampering Mark Warburton’s Ibrox rebuilding job.

Former Brentford boss Warburton has been brought in to pick up the pieces after last season’s failed promotion bid.

He has so far signed up keeper Wes Foderingham and defenders Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan - but the Gers’ faithful are keen to see further additions. However, the Englishman’s number two Weir admitted there has still been no progress on re-establishing a scouting set-up. (The Scotsman)

Danny Wilson keen for Rangers captaincy role

Danny Wilson insists he is ready to lead by example - whether he is named Rangers skipper or not.

Wilson would be a sensible choice for new Ibrox boss Mark Warburton after the 23-year old skippered his old side Hearts to the Championship crown last season.

But Wilson says he will give his all for his new team, regardless of whether he is picked to lead the side out. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• Inverness CT completed the signing of 21-year old winger Jordan Roberts who has been on trial with the Scottish Cup holders for the past few weeks. (Sporting Life)

• Aberdeen have decided against extending the trial spell of Arbroath midfielder Mark Whatley. (Press and Journal)

• St Mirren have been linked with Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield. The veteran stopper is now fourth choice at Pittodrie after the arrival of Danny Ward on loan from Liverpool. (Press and Journal)

• Young Celtic left-back Calum Waters has joined Dumbarton on a season-long loan deal. (Evening Times)

Rumour Mill: Ciftci & Ødegaard for Celtic | Rangers