Rumour Mill: Kranjcar deal dead | Steven Taylor Old Firm target | Celtic target Belgian striker

Rangers move to sign Niko Kranjcar appears to have stalled, Rangers and Celtic both linked to Steven Taylor and Celtic interested in Watford's Obbi Oulare.

Steven Taylor is available on a free transfer. Picture: PA

Celtic linked with Watford striker

Celtic have been linked with a move for Watford striker Obbi Oulare according to Belgian daily Nieuwsblad.

Watford signed the Belgian forward from Club Brugge last summer for a fee of around €8m but the striker has played little first team football. (Various)

Rangers linked with Steven Taylor

Rangers are reportedly pushing to sign former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor.

The released player has been in contact with Joey Barton about a move. (Sun)

- Celtic, Hull and Brighton are also rumoured to be interested in Taylor

Rangers fail in bid to land Niko Kranjcar

Rangers have failed to secure the services of Niko Kranjcar in the summer transfer window.

It has been reported that the former Tottenham Hotspur star’s girlfriend, actress Zrinka Cvitesic, does not want to move to Scotland. This means that it is likely that the Croatian player will continue to play in the USA. (Various)

Celtic eye Northern Ireland midfielder

Northern Ireland star Oliver Norwood is a summer transfer target for new Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Parkhead side face competition to land the Reading midfielder with Premier League new boys Burnley and Hull City also keen to land the 25-year-old, who will be an influential figure for Michael O’Neill’s side at the Euro 2016 finals. (Belfast Telegraph)

Rodgers’ praise for assistant

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had glowing words for his new assistant Chris Davies.

He said: “I’ve known Chris for a long time and he’s very much like myself.”

“He communicates well and he’s very open. He’s travelled the world and has looked at different teams for me.”

“He worked with me at Swansea and Liverpool,” added Rodgers. “He’s an outstanding young coach, he has a great football mind and the players will benefit from working with him.” (Sun)

Coritiba switch still on for Kazim-Richards

Brazilian side Coritiba have confirmed that they expect Celtic striker Colin Kazim-Richards to arrive for talks in Brazil sometime this week.

The move was put in doubt when the man who set up the switch, sporting director Valdir Barbosa, was sacked by the club earlier in the week, but the club’s president, Rogerio Bacellar, has reiterated that a move for the 29-year-old is very much still on the cards. (Various)

Celtic assistant coy on Steven Gerrard

New Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies says he is still in touch with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard but does not know what his plans will be later in the year when his contract expires with LA Galaxy.

He said: “I’d a great relationship with Stevie”

“I’m still in touch with him.”

“I think he’s finishing up later in the year,” added Davies. ”I don’t know what his plans are when he gets back. He’s going to be a really good manager one day.” (Evening Times)

Sutton says Rangers fans need to be realistic

Former Celtic striker and now media pundit Chris Sutton says Rangers fans need to be realistic about the prospect of their side mounting a serious challenge for the title next season.

“I still think Rangers supporters need to be a little bit patient.”

“As much as they want to make big steps there has to be an element of realism.”

“I like the fact they’ve signed Joey Barton,” added Sutton. “I know there’s been different things said about Joey Barton, but it only makes Scottish football more exciting and Rangers will want to go to Motherwell and make a statement, show that they’re going to push not only in the cups but in the league this season.” (Evening Times)

McCoist says he has yet to be judged at senior level

Ally McCoist admits he feels he is yet to be judged solely on his ability as a football manager following a tumultuous three-and-a-half years at the helm of Rangers.

The legendary former Ibrox striker is actively seeking a return to the dugout after initially being placed on gardening leave by Rangers in December 2014 in the wake of poor results and Hearts opening up a commanding lead at the Championship summit.

McCoist says he has had offers from two English Championship clubs.

(Deadline)

Hibs open talks with Neil Lennon

Hibernian have opened talks with Neil Lennon about becoming the club’s new head coach.

The Northern Irishman indicated earlier this week that he would be open to the idea of speaking to Hibs about the possibility of replacing Alan Stubbs, who left to take charge of Rotherham United. (Scotsman)

Fletcher unsure of next move

Steven Fletcher will go into Scotland’s friendly against France in Metz on Saturday night wondering where he will be playing next season.

The 29-year-old had a loan spell at Marseille from Sunderland in the second half of the campaign just finished and does not know where he will be plying his trade after the summer.

Fletcher says there has been no contact between him and Celtic. (Various)

IN BRIEF

- Ross County midfielder Stewart Murdoch has emerged a signing target for Dundee United