Rumour Mill: Hibs eye Holt | Lafferty on Rangers return | Celtic coy over Dembele

Grant Holt is reportedly on the verge of joining Hibs. Picture: Getty Images

Grant Holt set for Hibs move

NEIL Lennon is on the verge of completing a deal for Grant Holt as the new Hibs boss starts making additions to his squad.

The former Norwich striker, 35, is a free agent, and will sign a one-year deal pending a medical.

Holt scored 78 goals in 168 appearances for the Canaries, and also had spells at Nottingham Forest, Rochdale, Shrewsbury and Wigan. (Scottish Sun)

Lafferty ‘would love Gers return but fears fans’ backlash’

KYLE Lafferty would jump at the chance of a move back to Rangers but fears the Ibrox fans wouldn’t want him.

Lafferty said: “I haven’t been given a chance at Norwich, so I think my time is finished there.

“If [a Rangers return] was open, I’d love to. But I regret what I did with Rangers and I don’t think the fans would have me back if they had their say.

“I regret leaving. I have played for some amazing clubs along the way. I’ve been around the world and it’s an experience I’ve enjoyed. But there’s no feeling like pulling on a Rangers jersey and playing in front of those fans every week.” (The Scotsman)

Celtic No 2 coy over Dembele

CELTIC No 2 Chris Davies didn’t rule out a move for Fulham striker Moussa Dembele as the Hoops jetted off to Slovenia for pre-season.

The 19-year-old, who netted 17 times for the Cottagers last season, could be available for as little as £250,000, and Celtic have been linked with the French forward.

Davies told STV: “There’s a lot of work being done by the club and the recruitment department on that. Everything is ongoing, and these things take time so we’ll see.” (STV Sport)

Hodson set for Gers switch

MK Dons defender Lee Hodson looks all but set to join Rangers after the Northern Irish right back returns from international duty.

The 24-year-old, who spent time on loan at Kilmarnock last season, will be Mark Warburton’s eighth summer signing if a deal is completed. (Various)

Breslin opens up over Celtic snub

JACK Breslin, currently training with Hamilton, has claimed Celtic promised, then took away the offer of a new deal.

Breslin, a highly-rated defender, was released by the Hoops as the end of last season but said the Parkhead club had promised him a new two-year deal.

“Celtic told me at the start of May that I was to be let go. It came as a real surprise because I’d been told I was getting two more years and I’d been planning for next season accordingly.”

“When Celtic released me they said they’d help me find another club. I haven’t heard from them, although they did say I could keep training at Lennoxtown,” he added. (Scottish Sun)

AEK Athens in for Fletcher

CELTIC could face competition from Greek outfit AEK Athens for striker Steven Fletcher.

Released by Sunderland after spending the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, Fletcher is reportedly willing to take a pay cut for regular football, paving the way for Celtic to bring in the boyhood fan.

And the Hoops are in pole position to bring in the former Hibs and Burnley forward, despite AEK’s interest. (Sunderland Echo)

‘Well physio joins Aberdeen

MOTHERWELL physio Adam Stokes has left Fir Park after five years and has joined Aberdeen.

Stokes, who spent two years as head physio at Motherwell, has accepted a similar role at Pittodrie.

Former ‘Well physio John Porteous, who was with Hibernian, will return to assist at Fir Park. (Motherwellfc.co.uk)

United get busy on transfer front

DUNDEE United boss Ray McKinnon is set to bring Willo Flood back to Tannadice for a third spell, and is also targeting Kilmarnock forward Tope Obadeyi.

McKinnon could also raid former club Raith Rovers for defender Lewis Toshney, as he seeks to rebuild following United’s relegation to the Championship.

Jason Cummings set to face brother in pre-season clash

HIBS striker Jason Cummings could line up against his brother Dean, after the latter joined Edinburgh City.

The older Cummings joins City after spells with Livingston, Tynecastle and Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.

Hibs are due to play their near neighbours as part of their pre-season programme. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Charlie Mulgrew’s Celtic future is still to be decided, with assistant boss Chris Davies admitting yesterday that there was no update on the situation

• Kenny Miller has told his Rangers team-mates that the Ibrox side must win the league this season

• Celtic’s pre-season plans got off to a rocky start after the team landed in Croatia, rather than Slovenia yesterday

Rumour Mill: Hibs eye Holt | Lafferty on Rangers return | Celtic coy over Dembele | Gers want Hodson