Rumour Mill: Hearts reject Jordan McGhee bid

Ipswich Town have reportedly bid 250,000 pounds for Hearts defender Jordan McGhee. Picture: Jane Barlow

Hearts reject two Ipswich Town bids for Jordan McGhee

Ipswich Town have had a £250k offer for Hearts teenager Jordan McGhee knocked back by the Tynecastle club.

It is thought to be the second bid made by the English Championship side, who highly rate the promising 19-year-old.

Hearts are understood to be wanting at least £500k before they’ll even consider selling the defender. (The Sun)

Motherwell ‘may face action’ over Rangers play-off scenes

Motherwell could yet face action over the scenes that followed their play-off triumph over Rangers, according to Scottish Professional Football League chief executive Neil Doncaster.

Several hundred home supporters ran on to the Fir Park pitch after Motherwell’s 3-0 second-leg win on May 31, which clinched a 6-1 aggregate victory.

Many ran in the direction of the away stand to taunt the Rangers fans before returning to the stands as police horses prepared to enter the surface. (The Scotsman)

Southampton bid £7 million for Virgil van Dijk

Southampton’s bid for Virgil van Dijk, which featured in yesterday’s Rumour mill, is now being reported as a £7 million offer by the Daily Express.

The Express understands Celtic didn’t want to entertain any bid before their crucial second leg encounter with Qarabag in the Europa League, but Southampton made the offer regardless as they hope to sign the player in time for the English Premier League season starting this weekend.

Southampton have managed to pry two Parkhead favourites away from Celtic in recent seasons in the form of Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster. (Daily Express)

Celtic target the subject of Leicester bid

Defender Kara Mbodj, who Celtic see as a possible replacement for Virgil van Dijk, is subject of a £5.6 million offer from Leicester City.

The Senegalese international, who can operate in both defence and midfield, has been a standout at Belgian side Genk since joining the club in 2013.

In addition to the Scottish champions, Everton and West Ham United are also said to be tracking the player. (first4LCFC)

Everton weighing up move for Partick Thistle youngster

Everton are ready to make a move for Partick Thistle youngster Jack Hendry after being impressed by the youngster’s performance in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Hamilton.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez had reportedly sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old, who put in a very assured display after being substituted on following the early sending off of Frederic Frans.

It is understood that no official offer has yet been made. (Daily Record)

Qarabag’s damaged pitch major concern for Celtic

Protecting a precious 1-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, Celtic would be forgiven for approaching tomorrow’s return leg in Azerbaijan with a degree of trepidation.

A bumpy, rock-hard pitch awaits them in Baku where the temperatures are expected to be around 40C. The prize on offer is a place in the play-off round of the Champions League, the last staging post before the money-spinning group stage.

Opponents Qarabag have promised that work will be carried out to repair the wrecked pitch at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, but Celtic assistant manager John Collins has already stated that the Scottish champions will change their style of play to cope with the surface. (The Scotsman)

League Cup group stage could return next summer

The Scottish League Cup could revert to an initial group stage format as early as next July in a bid to introduce an element of summer football to the country’s calendar.

Neil Doncaster, the chief executive of the Scottish Professional Football League, revealed the potential switch in format for the tournament is currently under discussion by the 42 member clubs.

When the League Cup was first introduced in 1946, it started with a group stage which became the traditional curtain-raiser to the Scottish season. (The Scotsman)

Dundee United concerned over Mario Bilate injury

Dundee United are anxiously waiting to hear the full extent of the hamstring injury which forced off striker Mario Bilate during his side’s opening Scottish Premiership weekend loss to Aberdeen.

The striker missed most of his debut season at Tannadice through hamstring problems and it was a horrible feeling of deja vu for United boss Jackie McNamara when his player was forced from action once more.

However, McNamara is hopeful it’s just a minor strain and the problem won’t ruin the player’s 2015/16 campaign. (Dundee Evening Telegraph)

Danny Ward ‘the best I’ve worked with’ - Willo Flood

Aberdeen midfielder Willo Flood has hailed Dons’ stopper Danny Ward, proclaiming the youngster the ‘best keeper he’s ever worked with’.

Ward arrived during the summer on a season long loan deal from Liverpool and has impressed thus far with three clean sheets in six games. (Daily Mail)

Rumour Mill: Hearts reject Jordan McGhee bid | Virgil van Dijk