Rumour Mill: De Vries close to Celtic switch | Torino want Simunovic | Ball snubs Rangers

Dorus de Vries is undergoing a medical at Celtic ahead of a proposed move from Nottingham Forest. Picture: Getty Images

De Vries on brink of Celtic switch

DORUS de Vries is undergoing a medical at Celtic ahead of a proposed move to Parkhead.

The 35-year-old ‘keeper, who spent time at Dunfermline Athletic during the 2006/07 season, is set to leave Nottingham Forest and team up with former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Dutch goalie can also count ADO Den Haag and Wolves among his former clubs. (Sky Sports)

Torino eye Simunovic bid

TORINO have been linked with a move for Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic - but Hoops chiefs have told the Italian side that the Croatian stopper is not for sale.

The 22-year-old, who has been out injured for six months, rubbished the reports as ‘nonsense’, adding: “I have absolutely no indication about a potential departure for Torino. In fact, I think only about Celtic.”

The former Dinamo Zagreb defender is set to return to training next week. (Daily Record)

Ball snubs Rangers to team up with Stubbs

DOMINIC Ball has dealt Rangers a blow by opting to sign permanently for Rotherham, instead of returning to Ibrox.

The defender joined Mark Warburton’s side on loan from Tottenham last season, making 21 appearances, and had been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer.

However, the versatile 21-year-old has opted to join Championship outfit Rotherham on a three-year deal, amid interest from Rangers. (HITC)

El Alagui lands Inverness CT trial

INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle have taken former Falkirk, Dundee United and Hibernian striker Farid El Alagui on trial.

The Moroccan hitman, who had an injury-plagued two years at Easter Road, left Hibernian during the summer and is on the lookout for a new club.

El Alagui has already scored twice in a friendly against Clach for the Caley Jags, and Richie Foran said: “He’s a good footballer, he’s really clever and has good game awareness. he’s one we will look at over the next week.” (P&J)

Charlton land Magennis, Killie look to McLeod as replacement

JOSH Magennis has signed a two-year deal with Charlton for a fee in the region of around £200,000 after admitting he wanted to continue his career south of the Border.

And Kilmarnock are believed to be keen on Notts County striker Izale McLeod as a possible replacement for the Northern Irish international.

Killie boss Lee Clark said: “We put up a fight and tried to convince [Magennis] that his future was here. But he made his feelings clear and he wants to go down to England and test himself.” (Daily Mail)

Hoops to use goal-line tech in European tie

CELTIC will use goal-line technology at Parkhead for next week’s crunch Champions League match.

The Hawk-Eye system, which was used during Euro 2016, will now be implemented for the play-off tie versus Hapoel Be’er Sheva. It will also be used in every subsequent Champions League clash should they progress. UEFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said: “Goal-line technology and additional assistant referees complement each other perfectly.” (The Scotsman)

Ball in Brum’s court over Stewart, says Hartley

DUNDEE boss Paul Hartley has insisted that the ball remains in Birmingham’s court in the chase for Greg Stewart.

Hartley told STV that Stewart, who is in the last year of his Dens Park contract, would be in the squad to face Rangers this weekend.

Hartley added: “The ball’s firmly in Birmingham’s court. We’ve agreed a transfer fee but the player has not agreed personal terms. He’s good enough to play in the Championship.” (STV Sport)

Lennon wants Hibs stars to adopt ‘big club’ mentality

HIBS head coach Neil Lennon has called on his squad to adopt a ‘big club’ mentality, insisting: “[Hibs] is a big club and they have to develop that big club mentality. “

And Lennon rubbished the suggestion that his side had been guilty of complacency in the 3-1 Betfred Cup loss to Queen of the South, adding: “You have to deal with the expectation. They are good playing against Premier teams. They get themselves up for that.

“I’m not saying they weren’t up for the Queen of the South game but there were lapses in concentration that maybe they wouldn’t make in other games.” (The Scotsman).

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Dunfermline captain Callum Fordyce is poised to make his first appearance in nearly a year against Hibs tomorrow as he attempts to win a new contract with the Pars

• Martyn Waghorn could be fit to face Celtic after it was revealed his hamstring injury is not as serious as Rangers first feared

• St Johnstone defender Brad McKay has claimed his winning goal against Hearts in the Betfred Cup was ‘written in the stars’

• Mark Warburton says Rangers have had no contact from Trabzonspor over James Tavernier

Rumour Mill: De Vries close to Celtic switch | Torino want Simunovic | Ball snubs Rangers | ICT eye El Alagui