The Rumour Mill: Friday’s Scottish football news and gossip

Juwon Oshaniwa will let God have final say on Celtic move

Nigerian defender Juwon Oshaniwa has claimed that talks are ongoing with Celtic over a move to Glasgow but that God will have the final say.

The 22-year-old, who is also represented by agent Dudu Dahan, who masterminded Rami Gershon’s loan move from Standard Liege, is currently with Israeli side FC Ashdod, and claimed last night that a move was on the horizon, saying: “There are still ongoing talks on the move for me to go to Scotland.

“It is God that has the final say, but [Celtic] are already talking with my club president.”

Oshaniwa is currently with the Nigeria squad, along with Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, as they prepare for this month’s African Cup of Nations, and is anxious that his international involvement won’t have a negative effect on any potential move.

“By God’s grace everything will work out well with Celtic,” he added.

Celtic assistant boss Johan Mjallby has spoken highly of Australian target Tom Rogic. The Socceroos international joined up with Celtic in Marbella on Thursday, and Mjallby is hopeful a deal can be brokered with the midfielder.

Murray Davidson expresses desire to try his luck in England

Both Rangers and St Johnstone could be set to miss out on midfielder Murray Davidson - because the 24-year-old wants to try his luck down south. Davidson has been offered a new contract by the McDiarmid Park side, and has been the subject of interest from Rangers, who had a £150,000 offer knocked back prior to their transfer embargo coming into play.

But Davidson, who Saints manager Steve Lomas has priced at £1 million, looks set to snub Scotland for a move south, and is reportedly weighing up his options.

Meanwhile, club captain Dave Mackay has extended his stay in Perthshire with an new two-year deal. The club had been in talks with Mackay, who is hopeful of the deal being completed in the next couple of days.

Norwich near deal for Hooper

Chris Hughton is confident Gary Hooper will be a Norwich player by the end of January. The Celtic striker has held talks with the Canaries and has rejected the chance to sign a new deal at Parkhead, with 18 months left on his contract. Hooper, who has scored 64 times for Celtic, is said to be keen on a move to the English Premier League and a deal could be struck over the coming weeks.

County bolster squad with Sproule and Hainault signings

Ross County have added former Hibs winger Ivan Sproule and Houston Dynamos defender Andre Hainault to their squad. Sproule completed his move last night after negotiating his release from Easter Road, and has signed an 18-month contract, whilst Canadian defender Andre Hainault was confirmed to have left Houston last night.

Dynamos president Chris Canetti told MLSsoccer.com that “Andre reached out to [head coach] Dominic Kinnear today to tell him he’s signed with Ross County, so we can confirm that he is officially moving on.

“Andre was a very good signing for us when we brought him here in 2009.

“He was a very nice player for us, a great person, excellent in the community and we’re glad to have had him and are sorry to have lost him. We wish him the best in the future,” Canetti added.

Hainault had found playing time hard to come by in recent months, all but losing his spot in the Dynamos defence in the latter part of 2012.

Scottish football news in brief

• Liam Kelly has sealed his switch from Kilmarnock to Bristol City for a deal believed to comprise a £200,000 fee plus add-ons. Kelly had expressed a wish to move back to England, where he started his career with MK Dons.

• St Johnstone striker Craig Beattie is to join Notts County on trial. The former Hearts striker has barely featured for the Perth side since joining in the summer after being released by Hearts.