Rumour Mill: Legal challenges over Rangers ruling | Besiktas want Celtic defender

Ralph Topping says the SPFL has taken the best possible legal advice. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

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Legal challenges over Rangers ruling

Outgoing SPFL chairman Ralph Topping admitted it was possible independent fans or fans groups would launch legal challenges against the league regarding the final ruling over Rangers and their use of EBTs. However, Topping remained confident that the governing body would win any battle having consulted with legal experts before deciding there were no lawful grounds to further punish the Ibrox club. (Daily Record)

• Topping called on the SFA to fully cooperate with an independent review into how the Rangers situation was handled by the footballing authorities in this country. (The Herald)

Besiktas want Sviatchenko

Besiktas are interested in signing Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko on loan. According to reports in Denmark, the Turkish side have already made their proposal to Celtic, though it is unlikely to be accepted, with the Scottish champions open only to a permanent sale of the defender. (Daily Record)

Caixinha hails “fantastic” Rangers

Pedro Caixinha hailed a “fantastic” performance from his Rangers side after they bettered Watford 2-1 in a closed doors game at the Premier League side’s training ground. The Ibrox club were victorious thanks to goals from Daniel Candeias and Martyn Waghorn. (Daily Record)

Wright wants Sammon

St Johnstone are looking to sign striker Conor Sammon from Hearts. The 30-year-old has been pushed far down the pecking order at Tynecastle and spent time on loan at Kilmarnock last season. With two years left on the player’s contract, Saints boss Tommy Wright is hoping a deal can be reached which would see Sammon paid off by Hearts and free to join another side. (Scottish Sun)

• The embarrassing Betfred Cup defeat by Peterhead is a wake-up call for Hearts, says striker Kyle Lafferty. (The Scotsman)

Celtic sweat over Griffiths fitness

Celtic are sweating over the fitness of Leigh Griffiths ahead of next week’s crucial second leg clash with Rosenborg in Norway. The striker, who was suspended for last night’s 0-0 draw, is struggling with an injury which could keep him out of the away tie. Moussa Dembele, meanwhile, will likely be out until September at the earliest after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury. (Daily Mail)

• Brendan Rodgers is confident his players can replicate the away form they showed in their best Champions League displays last season in order to progress to the play-off round of this year’s competition. (The Scotsman)

McGinn backs move for Stokes

John McGinn has backed Hibs’ move for ex-striker Anthony Stokes, saying the 29-year-old is exactly the sort of quality player the club needs if it’s going to make a significant impact on the Premiership table next season. Stokes last played for Hibs in their 2016 Scottish Cup final triumph, scoring twice against Rangers. (Daily Record)

• Lithuania midfielder Vykintas Slivka says facing Gordon Strachan’s national team gave him a taste for Scottish football as he completed his move to Hibernian. (The Scotsman)

O’Connor up for Arnason challenge

Anthony O’Connor has welcomed the arrival of experienced centre-back Kari Arnason, saying he’s up for the challenge of battling the Icelandic international for a place in the Aberdeen starting XI this season. At present O’Connor is the preferred partner of choice to Mark Reynolds but that could soon be about to change with former favourite Arnason returning on a one-year deal. (Scottish Sun)

Rumour Mill: Legal challenges over Rangers ruling | Besiktas want Celtic defender | Caixinha hails '˜fantastic' Rangers