Rumour Mill: Izaguirre to sign new deal | Scotland '˜can qualify' | Garner '˜hindered by Dembele comparison'

Emilio Izaguirre is set to sign a new deal at Celtic; the SFA and Gordon Strachan believe Scotland can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and Ally McCoist has backed Joe Garner to shine at Ibrox.

The left-back is close to signing a new deal. Picture: John Devlin

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Izaguirre nears contract extension

Emilio Izaguirre is close to signing a new deal with Celtic after deputising for the injured Kieran Tierney in recent weeks.

Izaguirre revealed discussions are ongoing between the club and his agent. It looked like the full-back would be on his way out of Celtic Park in the summer, but he was convinced to stay by new boss Brendan Rodgers. (Daily Record)

Dembele ‘will break transfer record’

Moussa Dembele will break the Scottish football record for a transfer fee received when they eventually sell Moussa Dembele, according to Brendan Rodgers.

The Celtic boss believes Dembele has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world, and when he leaves it will be to an elite club instead of following in the footsteps of Victor Wanyama or Fraser Forster by going to the likes of Southampton. (The Scotsman)

Scotand ‘can still qualify’

The SFA and national team boss Gordon Strachan both believe Scotland can still qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

It was announced yesterday that Strachan will continue in the coach’s position despite a dreadful start to the current campaign.

Strachan is said to have outlined some plans for how to improve the team’s fortunes and the SFA board agree he is still the right man to take the team forward. (Daily Mail)

Garner will come good

Ally McCoist has backed summer signing Joe Garner to make a name for himself at Rangers after a stop-start beginning to his Ibrox career.

The club legend believes Garner has been hampered by the Joey Barton saga as well as the team’s stuttering form, while comparisons with Moussa Dembele have not helped. (Scottish Sun)

• McCoist says he wouldn’t be shocked if Rangers finished behind Aberdeen this season and insists a top four place should be enough to secure Mark Warburton his job for next season. (The Scotsman)

Hearts to wait on duo

Hearts will wait until January to discuss contract extensions with centre-backs Igor Rossi and Alim Ozturk.

Both players have agreements expiring next summer but formal talks will not take place until after New Year.

Head coach Robbie Neilson will assess his squad and speak to both players about their future plans before deciding whether new contracts will be offered. (Evening News)

• Hearts’ turnover rose by £3 million last year after the club finished third in the Premiership and qualified for Europe.(The Scotsman)

Promotion key to Hibs contracts

The quicker Hibernian players can wrap up the Championship title, the sooner the club will be in a position to discuss new contracts.

Top of the Championship table and favourites to secure promotion back to the Premiership, the Easter Road side have 13 players nearing the end of their current contracts and manager Neil Lennon 
says the negotiations will accelerate as soon as the club knows which league it will be contesting next term.

“That is common sense and the players would know that,” said Lennon. “We do have an eye on the contract situation but we haven’t opened negotiations yet.” (The Scotsman)

• Hibernian manager Neil Lennon is bracing himself for what he describes as the inevitable loss of midfielder John McGinn. The Scotland international is facing up to two months on the sidelines due to an ongoing problem with his ankle. (The Scotsman)

Gerrard in talks with MK Dons

MK Dons have held early talks with Steven Gerrard over their managerial position it is understood.

The 36-year-old midfielder announced earlier this week that he will not be renewing his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy when it expires and was linked with a move to Celtic.

It appears the next stage of the former Liverpool and England captain’s career could be a first venture into management. (The Scotsman)

Warburton denies Waghorn bust-up

Rangers boss Mark Warburton has denied rumours he’s had a falling out with striker Martyn Waghorn.

Reports in England had the striker moving to Bristol City in the January transfer window, due to a falling out with Warburton.

However, Warburton insists there is no problems between him and the player, who he brought to Rangers from Wigan Athletic during the summer of 2015. (The Scotsman)