Rumour Mill: Mo Bangura | Hibs | Celtic

Mohamed Bangura on his Celtic debut in 2011. Picture: SNS

Bangura will face Celtic, say Elfsborg

Swedish side Elfsborg have defiantly stated that they will play Mo Bangura against Celtic, despite Neil Lennon’s comments on the on-loan striker.

Bo Johannson, chairman of the Swedes who will almost certainly take on Celtic in the next round of Champions League qualifying, said: “Celtic loaned him out because they do not believe that Mohamed is a good enough player.

Gary Mackay-Steven against Rangers. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

“He is looking forward to playing and there will be some lust for revenge.” (Sun)

Hibs close to Collins deal

Hibs are nearing a deal for Swindon Town striker James Collins.

The Ireland under-21 striker is set to make a £200,000 move to Edinburgh, with Pat Fenlon’s men beating Huddersfield to the deal. (Sun)

Forest must up Wilson bid, says Lennon

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has told Nottingham Forest that they must dramatically increase their bid for Kelvin Wilson if they want to prise the defender away from Celtic Park.

Forest placed a £1.5 million bid for Wilson on Friday, but the Kuwait-backed side will need to spend more to get the man whom they previously let go on a free transfer. The Forest owner has said that he will sign Wilson, saying: “We will bring in all the players that Billy wants.”

Lennon said: “There was a bid in for Kelvin. I haven’t had the chance to digest it yet, but I think on the surface it’s not going to be anywhere near enough.

“Kelvin has two years left on his contract... so there’s no need to push the panic button on anything just yet.” (Mail/Sun)

Gary Mackay-Steven sets first cap target for 2014

Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven has his sights set on his first Scotland cap this season.

The 22-year-old, whose silky skills made him a YouTube star last season, was called up for the games against Wales and Serbia but is keen to make his mark on the pitch.

“This season I just want to kick on, start well for United and get my first cap,” he said. (Record)

Jason Holt ‘could be worth £10m’

Hearts’ Callum Paterson believes that his teammate Jason Holt could eventually net the club a £10 million transfer fee.

Hearts have controversially rejected three offers for the under-21 international, despite being in administration.

Paterson said: “He is an unbelievable talent. He could be a £10m player in five years. As far as I know, he is going to stay at Hearts.” (Herald)

Europe: Smyth ready for starring role, as Hibs wait for injuries

• Cliftonville’s Mark Smyth has revealed his past link with Celtic - he was an extra in a Japanese advert starring Hoops’ cult hero Shunsuke Nakamura.

Smyth said: “When I was at Airdrie I ended up being an extra in an advert Nakamura was filming for some sort of electrical company.

“Hopefully I’ll have a better experience at the venue at this time.” (Record)

• Pat Fenlon is hopeful of being handed a double boost ahead of his side’s return Europa League tie against Malmo. Ryan McGivern and Alex Harris could return for the capital side, according to the Hibs boss.

“Alex was carrying a knock and Ryan McGivern was out injured as well, but Ryan has a chance.” (Mail)

TRANSFER ROUND-UP

• Former Celtic winger Paddy McCourt is close to agreeing a deal with Peterborough United. McCourt is on trial at the League One club. (Herald)

• Christophe Berra has signed for Ipswich Town on a two-year deal. Rangers had attempted to lure the Scotland cap to Ibrox earlier in the transfer window. (Telegraph)

• Former Motherwell and Celtic striker Scott McDonald could join former St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas at Millwall. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: Mo Bangura | Hibs | Celtic | Hearts