Rumour Mill: Crepulja raves about Celtic trial | Malonga joins Pro Vercelli

Ljuban Crepulja has said his Celtic trial was 'heaven on earth'. Picture: SNS Group

Malonga joins Pro Vercelli

DOMINIQUE Malonga has sealed his move to Italian Serie B outfit Pro Vercelli, for an undisclosed fee.

The forward was allowed to leave Hibs earlier this week after the arrival of Anthony Stokes on loan from Celtic.

Dominique Malonga has signed for Pro Vercelli

Malonga, who scored 22 goals in 54 games for the Easter Road side, has spent most of his career in Italy, including spells at Torino, Cesena, Vicenza and Foggia. (Evening News)

Celtic close in on Patrick Roberts

Celtic won’t rival Rangers for the signing of St. Johnstone forward Michael O’Halloran - because they will sign Patrick Roberts from Manchester City instead. The teenage winger will join Celtic on loan until the end of the season, with City keen to get the 18-year-old out and playing first-team football, having failed to make an impact since joining from Fulham last summer. (Scottish Sun)

Crepulja talks Celtic trial

LJUBAN Crepulja has admitted his Celtic trial was ‘heaven on earth’ and he would be keen on a move to Scotland.

The Croatian midfielder spent three days training with the Hoops before returning to Slaven Belupo.

And he told GOAL.com that it was a ‘different world’, adding: “Celtic is a big, well-known European club. Going into the ranks of such greats my career would be great. But, as I say, I am not allowed to reveal the details.” (GOAL.com)

Pat Nevin stands firm in face of Hartley criticism

Pat Nevin says he will not change his style of commentary after a scathing attack from Dundee manager Paul Hartley.

Hartley hit out at Nevin over comments the BBC pundit made about his side’s performance against Dundee while also branding Sportscene “unwatchable”. (Herald)

Rangers still not close to signing Michael O’Halloran

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright has suggested that Rangers are not closer to signing Michael O’Halloran, as he is set to feature for his current club this coming weekend.

Speaking ahead of St Johnstone’s League Cup semi-final on Saturday, Wright said: “I already know my team and with the injuries I’ve got it’s a plan A, plan B and plan C. But Mikey [O’Halloran] will play, he’s in all three teams. It probably isn’t ideal that the game is so close [to the end of the transfer window] and I know my chairman thinks that.” (Various)

Van Dijk not convincing, claims Collymore

STAN Collymore has expressed doubts over Virgil van Dijk’s ability, warning that Southampton could be looking for a replacement for the Dutchman in the summer.

He said on TalkSPORT: “Van Dijk came in heralded as a great player at Celtic, but slightly different in the Premier League, has taken time to settle,” said Collymore.

“If you are looking to move Southampton seriously onto the next level, you are probably looking at centre-halves next season.” (Various)

East Kilbride finally get Cup venue

East Kilbride are happy with the new venue for their William Hill Scottish Cup clash with Celtic after Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium was selected to stage the fifth-round tie. (Scotsman)

Kris Boyd tells Rangers they risk losing Mark Warburton

KRIS Boyd has launched a powerful attack on Dave King and the Rangers board by insisting manager Mark Warburton and assistant David Weir will return to England if promised backing does not materialise. (The Scotsman)

Thomson ‘considered retirement’ before joining Hibs

KEVIN Thomson says he was on the verge of hanging up his boots before he decided to return to Hibernian in the hope of a fantasy ending to his career. (The Scotsman)

Budge slams troublesome fans

HEARTS chief Ann Budge has condemned a rogue element of the club’s support, claiming their conduct is costing the club thousands of pounds. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Aston Villa have appointed Eric Black as first team coach where he will act as assistant to Remi Garde

• Goalkeeper Dan Twardzik has left Motherwell by mutual consent

• Dundee United have taken Romanian defender Andrei Cordos, currently with Botosani, on trial

• Motherwell forward David Clarkson has signed a loan deal with St Mirren until the end of the season

Rumour Mill: Crepulja raves about Celtic trial | Malonga joins Pro Vercelli | Celtic close in on Roberts