Rumour Mill: Hooper-Griffiths swap deal | Moussa Marega | Scepovic exit

Leigh Griffiths, left and Gary Hooper. Pictures: Gordon Fraser / PA

Norwich propose Hooper/Griffiths swap deal

NORWICH City are reportedly weighing up an audacious swap deal offer that would see Gary Hooper return to Celtic in exchange for Leigh Griffiths.

The Canaries failed in a bid to tempt Wolves hitman Benik Afobe to Carrow Road earlier this week and with Alex Neil keen on bolstering his attacking options, the ex-Hamilton boss appears to have earmarked Griffiths as a potential target. (Various)

Celts in pole position for Hooper

CELTIC are the new favourites to sign Gary Hooper, according to the bookies.

BetVictor has made Celtic 4/1 favourites to sign the Norwich striker ahead of Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Hull and Sheffield Wednesday. (Scunthorpe Telegraph)

Marega on Celtic’s radar

CELTIC have also been linked with Mali striker Moussa Marega.

The Hoops have reportedly had the Maritmo forward watched and have made enquiries about the 24-year-old.

Frency-born Marega had spells with Vendée Poiré-sur-Vie Football and Amiens before joining Maritimo in February 2015.

He has netted seven goals in 14 games for the Portuguese outfit. (Various)

Maccabi Tel Aviv eye Scepovic move

FROZEN-out Celtic striker Stefan Scepovic could be on the move with Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly keen on taking the Serbian forward to Israel in a £1.5 million deal.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Serbian coach Slavisa Jokanovic knows all about his countryman and could swoop for the former Gijon striker, who has made just one substitute appearance for Celtic this season. (Daily Record)

Buddies sign Watson on short-term deal

ST MIRREN have strengthened their defence ahead of tonight’s eagerly awaited Renfrewshire derby against Morton by signing Keith Watson.

The right-back, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hibernian from Dundee United, has agreed a deal until January.

Watson, 25, is in line to make his debut at Cappielow tonight. (The Scotsman)

Sbragia opens up on Jack Harper abuse

RICKY Sbragia yesterday spoke at length for the first time about his upset over the abuse heaped on him after he omitted then Real Madrid attacker Jack Harper from the Scotland squad he led into the Uefa Under-19 European Championship elite round in March.

“I was at fault with the Jack Harper situation,” said Sbragia, who stated that any conversations he may have had with the player over what happened in March will remain confidential. “My choice of words wasn’t exactly brilliant.”

“I’m not on social media but my wife had a hell of a time and my family were sending me messages. That’s football and it’s not bad that in 44 years I’ve been criticised once. I have to take it.” (The Scotsman)

St Johnstone to defend McKay over Juanma comment

ST JOHNSTONE will defend Brad McKay after he was accused of making “offensive” comments about an opponent by the Scottish Football Association.

The summer signing from Hearts is set to face an SFA disciplinary panel on 3 September after describing his former club’s Spanish striker, Juanma, as a “typical foreigner”, who “gets touched and goes down”.

Saints boss Tommy Wright said: “We will represent him at the meeting and will defend any charges put against him.” (The Scotsman)

Hearts ‘genuine title contenders’ claims Pressley

Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley claims Hearts - who lead the Premiership after winning their first four games since their return to the top flight - are genuine title contenders.

He said: “Both Hearts and 
Aberdeen can push Celtic all the way. Hearts in particular have been very creative in the transfer market. They’ve plundered Europe and made some astute signings. Under the guidance of Robbie Neilson they can be a threat.” (The Scotsman)