Rumour Mill: Joey Barton to Rangers | Ronny Deila backs Roy Keane for Celtic | Mark Warburton rest call

JOEY Barton on the verge of three-year deal at Rangers; Ronny Deila backs Roy Keane for Celtic job; Mark Warburton says Rangers not being treated fairly over Scotland call-ups; plus the rest of today's football news and gossip

Joey Barton arrives at Ibrox yesterday. Picture: SNS

Rangers set to offer three-year deal to Joey Barton

Joey Barton was at Murray Park on Saturday for talks with Rangers. The midfielder helped Burnley clinch the English Championship title this season but is out of contract.

Rangers are looking to strengthen their squad after winning promotion to the Scottish Premiership and are keen to add experience.

Barton is believed to be seeking a three-year deal at the club, which would help tempt him away from the prospect of English Premiership football next season.

Burnley have only offered Barton a one-year contract. (Sunday Mail, Scotland on Sunday)

Kieran Tierney pledges future to Celtic

Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney has committed to staying at Parkhead and is set to snub several English clubs in order to develop his game north of the Border.

Speaking to Scotland on Sunday’s Andrew Smith, he said he would “100 per cent” be interested in a five-year contract that has been mooted, and is sceptical about chat that half of the English Premier League are supposed to be tracking him.

“Someone’s just written on Twitter ‘he’s linked to this’ but I don’t know how accurate that is,” he said. (Scotland on Sunday)

Rangers player need rest, says Mark Warburton after Scotland call-up

The Rangers manager, Mark Warburton, has called for parity after his players were named in the Scotland squad which will take on Italy and France.

Although delighted that the performances of captain Lee Wallace and young Barrie McKay have caught the attention of Scotland coach Gordon Strachan, he fears the games will deny his men the rest he believes they need.

“We’ve not had a phone call,” he said. “I read the comments about European football but either Hibs or ourselves will be in Europe, and Hearts too. All I heard was about Aberdeen and Celtic so I’m a bit bemused as to why any club that could be in Europe is not dealt with or handled in the same way.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Ronny Deila backs Roy Keane to succeed him at Celtic

Ronny Deila has backed Manchester United legend Roy Keane to succeed him in the hotseat at Celtic.

Keane is assistant manager at the Republic of Ireland alongside Martin O’Neill, who has also endorsed him for the role.

The outgoing Celtic manager believes Keane has what it takes to cope with the high-pressure atmosphere.

“Roy is Irish and has played for Celtic. He knows what this club is all about.

“So he has the skill set that could be good in this job.” (Sunday Mail)

Nottingham Forest consider bid for St Johnstone’s Tommy Wright

Nottingham Forest are considering recruiting St Johnstone’s Tommy Smith as their new manager.

The English side have been without a manager since sacking Dougie Freedman in March.

Wright was a player at Forest in the ‘90s over a four-year spell, which would endear him to supporters.

Wright is among a shortlist of candidates which also includes Martin O’Neill and Nigel Clough, also former players. (Sunday Mail)

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