Rumour Mill: Kris Commons to Hibs? | 10 arrested over Cup Final chaos

Could Kris Commons be on his way to Easter Road? Picture: Getty Images

Hibs announce Lennon as new boss targets Commons

HIBS have confirmed the appointment of Neil Lennon as the club’s new head coach on a two-year deal.

Lennon, who spent four years at Celtic before taking the reins at Bolton, will bring trusted right-hand man Garry Parker to Easter Road as his assistant and is targeting promotion with the Leith side.

And the former Celtic boss is keen on taking Kris Commons to Easter Road as he looks to secure promotion for Hibs. Commons was a bit-part player under Ronny Deila last season and could jump at the chance to team up with his former boss again. (Various)

Ten arrested over Cup Final disorder

POLICE detained ten people this morning in dawn raids linked to the disorder following the Scottish Cup final last month, with most of the addresses in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

More than 30 cops were involved in the operation, which has now seen 26 people arrested following the scenes after the final whistle on May 21.

All ten will appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday morning. (Sky Sports)

Ashley brings in branding lawyer over Rangers Retail fight

SPORTS Direct chief Mike Ashley has hired a top branding lawyer as he looks to hit back in the fight over the Rangers merchandising arm.

Ashley has brought in Justin Barnes, a leading intellectual property law expert, to sit on the Rangers Retail board after Ashley and Sports Direct CEO David Forsey stepped down.

The Rangers Retail deal was struck by former Gers chief Charles Green in August 2012 but Dave King last month served notice to cancel the arrangement, with Rangers insisting they would withdraw intellectual property rights from Rangers Retail. (Evening Times)

Celtic close in on Wisdom

CELTIC are reportedly closing in on Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom, as Brendan Rodgers looks to bring in new faces to Parkhead.

The 23-year-old has been told he doesn’t have a future at Anfield by Jurgen Klopp, and Rodgers is believed to be keen on linking up again with the defender who is expected to cost around £3 million.

Wisdom spent last season on loan at Norwich, and has had spells at West Brom and Derby, as well as making 14 appearances for Liverpool. (Various)

Hearts to hold talks with Robbie Muirhead

HEARTS officials will meet Robbie Muirhead next week to discuss a possible move to Tynecastle. The former Kilmarnock and Dundee United forward is available as a free agent and would jump at the chance to sign for the Edinburgh club.

Hearts chiefs believe Muirhead could be a worthwhile signing as a young player with the potential to develop and improve. They intend to hold detailed talks with the 20-year-old before deciding whether to offer him a contract for next season.

Hearts have already secured the services of former Kilmarnock and Wigan striker Conor Sammon. (Evening News)

Ex-Hibs youngster joins Edinburgh City

FORMER Hibs youngster Neil Martyniuk has joined Edinburgh City, following spells at St Johnstone and Montrose.

The 19-year-old, whose primary position is central defence, can also operate at left back. (Various)

Blackburn enter race for Danny Graham

BLACKBURN could pip Celtic to striker Danny Graham, with new manager Owen Coyle keen to bring the former Swansea forward to Ewood Park permanently after he spent time on loan last season.

The 30-year-old’s contract at Sunderland is up at the end of this month, and isn’t short of suitors.

Rangers had also been linked with Graham, but it now appears to be a straight fight between Rovers and Celtic. (Various)

Burton target Irvine

BURTON Albion have made Ross County midfielder Jackson Irvine one of their top targets for next season.

The Australian international has impressed since joining the Staggies from Celtic, and Burton boss Nigel Clough is known to be an admirer of the 23-year-old.

New Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs is also reportedly interested in the Melbourne-born star. (Press and Journal)

Stokes freed by Celtic as Millers circle

ANTHONY Stokes has been released by Celtic despite reports the Parkhead side would look to offload the Irish striker for £500,000.

And the 28-year-old has emerged as a target for Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs, who is keen to link up again with the forward he took on loan at Hibs in the second half of last season.

Stokes joined Hibs on loan in January and scored nine goals in 25 appearances, including a double in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

Birmingham and Leeds have previously been linked with Stokes while new Hibs boss Neil Lennon could look to bring the former Arsenal youngster back to Leith for a third spell. (The Scotsman)

Gers sweat over Dominic Ball

RANGERS face an agonising wait to find out if they have any chance of securing the services of Tottenham utility man Dominic Ball for the upcoming campaign.

Ball, who played both in defence and midfield for the Gers last season, has been told to report back for pre-season training by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino so the Argentinian can run the rule over the 20-year-old.

A source close to Ball said: “I’m sure Rangers would take him back but Pochettino is going to have a look at him during pre-season and then discuss his options from there.

“However, it’s not certain he will come back to Scotland as there are a few clubs in England who would be interested in taking him next year.” (The Scotsman)

Celtic set to benefit from ex-players transfers

CELTIC could net a percentage of any fee paid for former players Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama this summer, with Everton and Spurs leading the respective chases for the Southampton duo.

Wanyama was a target for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino last year, and the Kenyan could net Celtic as much as £4 million if he moves on from Southampton this summer thanks to a hefty sell-on clause.

And with van Dijk expected to team up with former Saints boss Ronald Koeman at Everton, the Hoops could again benefit from any transfer. (Various)

Feruz facing arrest after court no-show

A WARRANT has been granted for the arrest of former Celtic youth player Islam Feruz after the Somalia-born footballer failed to turn up for a trial over alleged driving offences.

The 20-year-old, who has had spells at Hibs, Blackpool and Crete, was supposed to go on trial on Wednesday after allegedly being caught driving an £80,000 Porsche while banned.

Glasgow’s Justice of the Peace Court was informed that the 20-year-old was training in Tanzania, and Sheriff Frances McCartney has now granted a warrant for the player’s arrest. (The Scotsman)

Jags goalie coach set for Hearts switch

PARTICK Thistle goalkeeper Paul Gallacher looks set to join Hearts as their new goalkeeping coach after knocking back a new deal at Firhill.

Gallacher, 36, and Gary Miller both left the Maryhill side yesterday, following Frederic Frans out of the Firhill exit door. (The Scotsman)

Hoops line up pre-season tour of Slovenia and Austria

CELTIC will take on Maribor and Sturm Graz during a pre-season tour of Slovenia and Austria.

The matches will form part of busy schedule for new manager Brendan Rodgers as the Scottish champions play four games in ten days.

Celtic begin their Champions League qualifiers at the second round stage in mid-July and the tour will form an important part of their preparation. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Former Hearts and Kilmarnock midfielder Jamie Hamill has signed a one-year deal with Queen of the South

• Dundee defender Daryll Meggatt looks set to exit Dens Park with Ayr United reportedly keen on the former Alloa man

• An Iranian footballer accused of wearing ‘Spongebob pants’ has been banned for six months from the national side

• Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark is weighing up a move for released Sunderland midfielder Martin Smith

• Rangers U20 coach Ian Durrant has left Rangers following a coaching staff reshuffle

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Rumour Mill: Kris Commons to Hibs? | 10 arrested over Cup Final chaos | Ashley hits back in Rangers Retail fight