Rumour Mill: Ibrahimovic linked to Celtic | Celtic 'scared' of Rangers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with Celtic. Picture: Getty

Odds slashed on Celtic to sign Ibrahimovic

There could be a upset on the horizon for Manchester United in its pursuit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to the latest bookies odds.

Paddy Power has slashed odds on Celtic signing the free agent after he letting his contract at Paris St Germain lapse.

United are 4/11 on to sign the 34-year-old, while Celtic are down to just 5/2 making them second favourites. (Various)

Celtic scared of Rangers - John Brown

Former Rangers player says Celtic were rushed into the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as they are scared of Rangers returning to the top flight of Scottish football and putting a dent in their 10-in-a-row ambitions.

Brown was speaking at an event to promote season ticket sales at the Ibrox club. (Record)

Scotland producing a nation of “scared” footballers

National team boss Gordon Strachan says Scotland’s youth system is producing a nation of footballers who cannot cope with the pressure of coming up against

top class opponents.

He said: “If you look at most of the top players they can pass the ball and beat you. We as a nation, all I hear is - even at youth level - pass, pass, pass.” (Record)

- Strachan says Scotland are in desperate need of one star player to help them qualify for a major tournament (Sun)

Brendan’s dinner date with Celtic captain

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers invited Scott Brown to his London home last week where the pair discussed how best to drive the club forward.

Rodgers said: “He’s been here for a long time. he’s been through the good times and the tough times, so it was good to get his opinion on how things are and how it looks for him at the club, as well as giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to him as the club captain and talk through my ideas and how I’d like to work.”

Hibs hold talks with Paul Dickov

Paul Dickov has emerged as a surprise contender for Hibernian manager after his advisor admitted having exploratory talks with the club’s chief executive Leeann Dempster.

Dickov is being courted by English League One side Port Vale and has been widely linked with a return to Oldham Athletic.

It is understood that he is most attracted to the position at Easter Road. (Daily Record)

Hibs favourite to take over at Hibs

Bookies have suspended bets on Neil Lennon becoming the next Hibs manager.

Now odds on favourite to take over at Easter Road, Ladbrokes were forced to stop taking bets after odds were slashed to 1/4 from 14/1.

(The Scotsman)

- Lennon is also considering an multi-million pound offer from China that would see him spend three years in the far east (Mail)

Wigan target Jonny Hayes

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has emerged as a target for Wigan Athletic. The 28 year-old was shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and narrowly missed out on a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euros. (Mail)

Rangers target three new signings

Rangers are considering a swoop for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Eitan Tibi and Fulham’s Ben Pringle.

Manager Mark Warburton is also understood to be considering re-signing Tottenham’s Dominic Ball.

Rangers have also been linked with New York Cosmos’ Nico Kranjcar but a deal was rumoured to be scuppered by his girlfriend who doesn’t want to move to Scotland. (Daily Express)

Alan Stubbs to swoop on Kris Commons

New Rotherham manager Alan Stubbs is poised to make a bid for Celtic’s Kris Commons.

With a battle plan to make eight new signings, Stubbs is believed to have Commons at the top of his hit list.

Having fallen out of favour with previous boss Ronny Deila, Commons is believed to be keen to secure a key role at Celtic under new manager Brendan Rodgers. (Scottish Sun)

Two horse race to become Dundee captain

Darren O’Dea and James McPake have emerged as frontrunners for the captain’s armband at Dundee next season.

Manager Paul Hartley has yet to replace Kevin Thomson who held the position last season before leaving for Hibs, while long-serving deputy Gary Irvine has also quit the club for St Mirren.

While there are other candidates, Hartley has confirmed the pair are high on his list of candidates. (Evening Telegraph)

Blackburn fans launch Coyle petition

He may have just been appointed but already Blackburn fans want him sacked. Hundreds of fans have signed a petition wanting Owen Coyle to step down due to his “dismal” record

as a manager.

Coyle used to manager Blackburn rivals Burnley. (Record)

IN BRIEF

- Steven Lawless has signed a new deal that will kepp him at Partick Thistle for a further two years

- Falkirk have signed freed Hearts youngster Liam Henderson

- St Mirren have signed defender Ben Gordon

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Rumour Mill: Ibrahimovic linked to Celtic | Celtic 'scared' of Rangers | Scotland need star player

Rumour Mill: Ibrahimovic linked to Celtic | Celtic 'scared' of Rangers | Scotland need star player