Rumour Mill: Johansen set to join Galatasaray | Rangers urge fans not to boycott away games | Toure '˜considering options'

Stefan Johansen on brink of Galatasaray move as Celtic ask for £1.5 million fee; Rangers fans urged not to boycott away matches and Celtic target Kolo Toure is considering his options

Stefan Johansen vies for the ball with Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday. Picture: Getty Images

Johansen on brink of Turkey switch

STEFAN Johansen looks set to join Turkish side Galatasaray, but Celtic are holding out for more cash.

The Istanbul giants offered £1.1m for the Norwegian, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Brendan Rodgers, but Hoops bosses have told their Galatasaray counterparts to up their bid to £1.5m.

Johansen enjoyed an outstanding first full season in Scotland but faded away during his second, leading to him being linked with a move away from Celtic. (Various)

Rangers fans urged not to boycott matches

DAVE King has urged Rangers supporters to reconsider their calls for a boycott of away grounds this season.

The Ibrox side are preparing to return to the top flight for the first time in four years but many Rangers fans remain bitter over the reaction to their 2012 financial meltdown and had vowed not to attend away games.

But King has urged fans to back the team, adding: “Sometimes a strong Rangers away support can influence a match in our favour and I hope that those Rangers supporters that can afford to travel to away games will do so and support the team.” (The Scotsman)

King to update fans on replica strips

THE Ibrox chairman has also reassured fans that he will have sorted out the club’s retail operations and, in particular, replica kits by the weekend ‘at the latest’.

Rangers tore up the IP licence and rights deal with Rangers Retail Ltd - part-owned by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct firm - in May, leaving merchandise options in limbo and fans unable to buy official kits.

But King is aiming to clarify the situation in the coming days. (The Scotsman)

Toure considering options amid Celtic interest

CELTIC target Kolo Toure is reportedly considering his options as he looks to find a new club.

The 35-year-old made several outings under Jurgen Klopp last season at Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers has admitted an interest in the defender.

But with a number of offers in England and Europe, Celtic will have to wait for Toure to make his mind up. (Daily Record)

Espanyol anger over Bitton leak

SPANISH side Espanyol are reportedly furious that their interest in Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton was ‘leaked’ in the player’s homeland.

Reports in Israel suggested the Barcelona-based side had offered £6m - well short of Celtic’s valuation of the player.

But sporting director Angel Gomez insisted: “At the moment, there is no offer. Just talking. We are collecting information about him and many other players.” (Daily Express)

Stewart ‘will leave Dundee’

GREG Stewart has hinted at a Dens Park exit, as he admitted it was flattering to be linked with Leeds and Rangers.

The 26-year-old said: “Sometimes I think ‘wow’ — three years ago I was working at Grangemouth and now top teams like Leeds United and Rangers are interested in me.

“I want to be somewhere I can play my best football. Whether it is at Dundee we will just have to wait and see.” (Evening Telegraph)

Berwick hold Hibs in pre-season friendly

BERWICK Rangers held Hibs to a draw at Shielfield Park last night as Neil Lennon got a first look at his players in action.

Jason Cummings opened the scoring after just 12 seconds but Berwick hit back through Michael McKenna.

New signing Grant Holt played 70 minutes while Sam Stanton, Alex Harris, Oli Shaw and former Berwick loanee Callum Crane were all given game time. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Partick Thistle No 2 Scott Paterson has told the Jags trialists they’ll have to wait a little longer to find out if they have earned a deal at Firhill

• Motherwell have signed Carl McHugh from Plymouth. The midfielder agreed a two-year deal with the Steelmen