Rumour Mill: Linfield blast '˜hysterical' articles | Celtic fans '˜agree' with King | Andy Halliday to Azerbaijan?

Linfield have hit out at some 'hysterical' articles from the Scottish press, Dave King insists Celtic-supporting taxi drivers agree with his ten-in-a-row stance, and Andy Halliday has been linked with a move to Azerbaijan.

Linfield have hit out at what they perceive to be some unfair coverage. Picture: SNS

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Linfield blast ‘hysterical’ articles

Linfield have hit out at what the Belfast club call “hysterical” articles in the Scottish press. The Northern Irish side will face Celtic in the Champions League should they progress past Florita in the first qualifying round. The Irish League champions were unhappy with some of the reporting, including a particular piece in the Daily Record which quoted Joe Miller as receiving some intimidating treatment during a 90s match at Windsor Park, which Linfield insist is a match that didn’t take place. (Linfield FC)

Celtic fans ‘agree’ with King

Rangers chief Dave King has claimed that Celtic-supporting taxi drivers who routinely pick him up from Glasgow Airport agree with his ten-in-a-row comments. King sparked some heated discussion over the weekend after stating that Celtic have only won two titles in a row, rather than six, because Rangers were not in the same league for four of those seasons. (Scottish Sun)

• King has explained his ten-in-a-row comments by insisting it’s an argument which only applies to Celtic and Rangers fans. Therefore, when Rangers were out of the league, the head-to-head competition ceased to apply. (Daily Record)

Halliday to Azerbaijan

Andy Halliday could be set to make a surprise move to Azerbaijani side FK Gabala. The midfielder has been told he’s free to find a new club and was omitted from the squad to face Progres Niederkorn in the Europa League. Gabala finished second in the Azerbaijan top flight last season and were once managed by ex-Arsenal skipper Tony Adams. (Daily Record)

• St Johnstone have made an enquiry to Rangers about former attacker Michael O’Halloran. (STV)

McKay trains with under-20s

Barrie McKay’s Rangers future is in doubt after the 22-year-old winger was sent to train with the under-20s. Ibrox management are said to be unhappy that McKay has failed to come to terms on an agreement of a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2017/18 season. Having reported to Auchenhowie on Monday morning, he was quickly told he would be training with the kids. (Daily Mail)

Rodgers’ son to train with Celtic

Anton Rodgers, son of Celtic boss Brendan, has joined the Parkhead club for their pre-season camp in Austria, though he will not be signing a permanent contract with the Scottish champions. The 24-year-old is a free agent after leaving Swindon Town and his dad has decided to invite him on the trip so he can keep his fitness up while he looks for a new club. (Daily Record)

Hearts to land Lafferty and Smith

Hearts are favourites to sign the Northern Ireland internationalists Kyle Lafferty and Michael Smith. They will hold a third day of talks with Lafferty on Tuesday, but Edinburgh rivals Hibs also want to speak to the former Norwich City forward. Hearts discussed terms with Lafferty during lengthy talks at Tynecastle on Monday, which followed an initial meeting on Friday. (Evening News)

• Motherwell insist there has been no improved offer from Hearts for midfielder Chris Cadden. (The Scotsman)

McNaughton considers retirement

Former Scottish internationalist Kevin McNaughton is considering retirement after a new contract offer from Inverness Caley Thistle was withdrawn. The 34-year-old signed on at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium at the beginning of last season, but would miss most of the campaign after suffering an early injury. Ex-boss Richie Foran wanted McNaughton signed up for another season, but new manager John Robertson has decided otherwise. (Press and Journal)

United to sign Fyvie

Fraser Fyvie has agreed to join Dundee United after missing out on the chance to re-sign for Hibs. The 24-year-old midfielder will conclude a move to Ray McKinnon’s Championship title favourites today, pending a medical. Fyvie was offered a new deal at Hibs but initially rejected the terms on offer. He then had a change of heart and approached Hibs with the intention of accepting the offer. However, with several weeks having elapsed, he was informed that it had been taken off the table. (Evening News)