Rumour Mill: Italians eye Malonga | Leeds bid for Diagouraga accepted | BBC's Rangers boycott

Malonga wanted by Italian outfit; Crepulja joins Celtic on trial; and BBC kick-off new Rangers boycott

Dominique Malonga is a target for Serie B side Pro Vercelli. Picture: Neil Hanna

Serie B outfit confirm Malonga interest

ITALIAN side Pro Vercelli have confirmed that they are keen on Hibs forward Dom Malonga, but stressed that he is one of several players the Serie B side are monitoring.

The Congolese striker has netted more than 20 goals for Hibs, after signing towards the start of the 2014 season.

He spent most of his early career in Italy, turning out for Torino, Foggia, Cesena and Vicenza. (Scottish Sun)

Leeds bid for Diagouraga accepted

LEEDS have had a bid for Rangers target Toumani Digarouaga accepted by Brentford, according to reports.

The French midfielder was wanted by Mark Warburton but it looks as though Rangers may miss out on Diagouraga, with Leeds looking to have hijacked the bid. (HITC)

BBC in new Rangers boycott

THE BBC have reportedly taken the decision to boycott Rangers once more, after the Ibrox club imposed a ban on BBC Sport reporter Chris McLaughlin.

A previous boycott was dropped when McLaughlin was allowed back into Ibrox but is is understood the journalist was prevented from entering the Rangers ground for the 4-1 win over Livingston.

The BBC have said they won’t be sending reporters to Ibrox or press conferences. (The Scotsman)

Warburton cool over Gutkovskis plea

MARK Warburton has been unmoved by a ‘come-and-get-me’ plea from Latvian striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis.

The 20-year-old was on trial with Rangers, and appeared to think he had done enough to earn a deal at Ibrox, but with no contact from the Gers, Gutkovskis made a last-ditch attempt to seal a move to Scotland.

But Warburton said: ““We look at a number of players, if we listened to pleas from all players we’d be in a real state.” (Various)

Crepulja on trial at Celtic

LJUBAN Crepulja will attempt to seal a deal with Celtic as he embarks on a trial period with the club.

The 22-year-old holding midfielder is wanted by Chievo Verona but the Hoops will be hopeful of striking a deal with Crepulja as Ronny Deila looks to bolster his squad. (The Scotsman)

Stokes claims Deila ‘didn’t rate him’

ANTHONY Stokes has admitted he was angling for a move to Hibs as soon as he became aware of the club’s interest.

The former Easter Road striker returned to Leith earlier this week after a busy weekend of negotiations.

And Stokes added: “I had options in the English Championship and in the Scottish Premiership but I had a good feeling when Hibs were on the phone.” (The Scotsman)

Johansen ‘not for sale’

RONNY Deila is adamant that Stefan Johansen is going nowhere after the Norwegian midfielder was linked with Aston Villa.

Although Johansen has struggled to match last season’s form, it is believed that Deila is keen to hold onto his countryman. (Various)

Forrest escapes flashing trial

CELTIC winger James Forrest will not face trial over claims he got his lad out in a night club.

The 24-year-old was accused by police of exposing his privates and committing a sexual assault during a boozy night out.

But the case has collapsed due to a lack of evidence. (Scottish Sun)

Johansen desperate to end form dip

STEFAN Johansen is watching videos of his award-winning performances from last year in a bid to recapture his form.

The Norwegian won plaudits for his performances last season but has struggled to replicate them during this campaign. (Daily Record)

Talks stall on Mulgrew deal

TALKS over a new deal for Celtic utility man Charlie Mulgrew have stalled with the 29-year-old enduring an injury-hit season.

The ex-Aberdeen star has made just eight appearances for Celtic this season. (Daily Mail)

Dundee secure Arturo loan

Dundee have completed the loan signing of Córdoba forward Arturo Juan Rodriguez Perez-Reverte.

Known as Arturo, the 26-year-old Spaniard is expected to add firepower to Paul Hartley’s squad ahead of the second half of the season. (Sporting Life)

Telfer set to exit Dundee United

EX-Rangers kid Charlie Telfer looks set to leave Dundee United barely a year after joining the Tangerines.

It’s understood United are looking to send Telfer, 20, out on loan for the rest of the season. (Scottish Sun)

Brum keen on Tannadice duo

BIRMINGHAM City have been linked with Dundee United pair Blair Spittal and John Souttar.

The pair have been attracting interest and it is believed that the Blues could make a move in the summer.

Birmingham chief scout Mick Harford attended the match against Celtic to run the rule over the pair. (Evening Telegraph)

‘Well braced for Johnson bid

BOURNEMOUTH are preparing a bid for Motherwell winger Marvin Johnson, believed to be in the region of £1 million.

The former Kidderminster star has made over 30 appearances for Motherwell but could be tempted by the English Premier League. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

•Raith Rovers could move for freed Dundee United forward Aidan Connolly

• Inverness Caledonian Thistle could look to bring Edward Ofere back after he was released by Boluspor in Turkey

• Hearts will make a decision on Alfred Hammond, with the Ghanaian teen having spent time with the club this week

• Blackpool and Shrewsbury have been linked with Abdul Osman of Partick Thistle

• A St Mirren fans’ group has submitted an offer to take over the club

• St Johnstone are considering a pre-contract offer for Falkirk midfielder Blair Alston