Rumour Mill: Hibs '˜in talks over Stokes' as duo exit | Blow for Celtic in Sigthorsson chase

Hibernian are reportedly locked in talks over a loan deal for Anthony Stokes. Picture: SNS Group

Hibs in Stokes talks as duo exit Easter Road

ISLAM Feruz and Henri Anier look set to return to their respective parent clubs as Hibs remain locked in talks with Celtic over Anthony Stokes.

Dundee United were reported to have agreed a deal earlier today but Tangerines boss Mixu Paatelainen admitted he didn’t know how things would pan out.

Hibs are still hopeful of luring Stokes back to Easter Road, and the departures of Anier and Feruz could be preparations for the Irishman sealing a sensational loan return. (Various)

Sigthorsson ‘happy at Nantes’

RUMOURED Celtic target Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has dealt the Hoops a blow by U-turning on his desire to leave Nantes, saying he is happy to stay at the Ligue 1 side.

Despite being hammered by the club’s president and head coach, Sigthorsson netted at the weekend and is eager to fight for his place.

Meanwhile, Ronny Deila has said that Tom Rogic won’t be joining Leeds, Kristoffer Ajer has returned to IK Start for the time being and no deal will be offered to Romanian defender Andrei Peteleu. (Daily Record)

Fletcher ‘likely to go to Celtic’

STEVEN Fletcher is more likely to join Celtic on a Bosman during the summer than move to China, according to sources in Sunderland.

The ex-Hibs forward was linked with Celtic during the summer but his wages proved a stumbling block. (Sunderland Echo)

Deila coy over Celina talk

RONNY Deila refused to say whether he is interested in taking Manchester City youngster Bersant Celina on loan at Celtic.

The pair worked together at Stromsgodset in Norway, but Deila said he ‘won’t comment’ on talk linking Celtic with the Kosovan midfielder. (Scottish Sun)

Hibs play waiting game over Stokes

HIBS face a wait to find out if they have been successful in a bid to lure Anthony Stokes back to Easter Road.

Hibs made an official bid on Tuesday for the Irish forward and now face an agonising wait to see if Ronny Deila will let the striker leave for Edinburgh.

Deila said yesterday: “Stokes has some options and so do we. He has to go on loan to play games nad get running again.”

But the Celtic boss warned: “It’s not only his decision, it has to be right for us. But if he doesn’t want to go, then it cannot happen. There has to be an agreement.” (Evening News)

Jambos step up striker chase

HEARTS are to step up their search for reinforcements up front.

Robbie Neilson has approached Southampton over young striker Sam Gallagher, who Aberdeen are also interested in, while another unnamed striker is on the radar. (Evening News)

Leeds ‘hope’ over Stokes bid

LEEDS could still be in with a chance of landing striker Anthony Stokes, with Celtic looking for a club to pay a substantial amount of his £8000-a-week wages.

While Hibs and Inverness Caledonian Thistle are interested, it’s unlikely either of them could match a Championship side’s spending power. (Various)

Dons eye Cowie

ABERDEEN could move for former Scotland international Don Cowie in a bid to strengthen their squad.

The 32-year-old’s contract at Wigan is up in the summer, and the former Cardiff star is believed to be high on Derek McInnes’ shopping list. (Various)

Dons seal Collin switch

ABERDEEN have reportedly signed Rotherham goalie Adam Collin on loan as a replacement for Danny Ward.

Derek McInnes had wanted Cammy Bell to replace hWard but Rangers blocked any move.

But 6ft 5in ‘keeper Collin, who helped seal Rotherham’s promotion to the Championship, has found playing time limited this season, and could face Ross County on Sunday.(P&J/Scottish Sun)

Bannigan to Aberdeen?

THE Dons are also keeping tabs on Partick midfielder Stuart Bannigan. But a number of clubs down south are also tracking the 23-year-old.

The Jags would not be due any compensation, but might cave on a January deal to avoid losing Bannigan for free. (Daily Record)

St Johnstone rebuff Gers bids for O’Halloran

ST JOHNSTONE have thrown out two bids for star striker Michael O’Halloran from Rangers.

Mark Warburton has made no secret of his admiration for the former Celtic kid but the Saints have told the Ibrox club to up their bids to somewhere in the region of £600,000 for any chance of a deal being discussed.

It is thought Rangers’ top bid so far has been around £200,000.(Daily Record)

Dark Blues fears over Córdoba forward

DUNDEE fear missing out on Spanish striker Arturo, with Córdoba ‘dragging their heels’ over his release.

It is believed the Spanish side told the forward he has no future at the club but are in no hurry to pay off the remainder of his contract.

The Spaniard was yesterday linked with Dundee United but it is believed the striker is on Dundee’s radar. (Evening Telegraph)

Gers duo extend Ibrox contracts

ANDY Halliday and Jason Holt have both extended their Rangers deals.

The new deals will see the pair - near ever-presents this season - remain at Rangers until summer 2020. (The Scotsman)

Falkirk return for McGrandles

FALKIRK have been dealt a boost with the loan signing of former Bairn Conor McGrandles.

The Norwich City midfielder has rejoined Falkirk on a deal until the end of the season. (Various)

Livi deal for Halkett

FORMER Rangers youngster Craig Halkett has joined Livingston.

The central defender has had spells with Clyde and Berwick Rangers and has appeared for Scotland at Under-19 level.

He joins former Ibrox team-mate Darren Cole at Almondvale and is Livingston’s third signing in recent days after Sam Stanton on loan and goalie Marc McCallum, who signed on after leaving Dundee United. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Ex-Dundee United defender Barry Douglas, currently at Lech Poznan in Poland, has emerged as a surprise target for Turkish outfit Konyaspor

• Louis Longridge has joined Raith on loan from Hamilton until the end of the season