Rumour Mill: Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths to leave Celtic?

Celtic's Moussa Dembele. Picture: John Devlin

Premiership clubs on red alert for Dembele

Moussa Dembele is preparing to leave Celtic this summer, according to reports.

His impressive form at Celtic Park - scoring 31 goals in 43 games - has prompted scouts from the Premier League to flock to Celtic’s 2-0 win over Hamilton last weekend.

Amongst others, Manchester United and Chelsea (who made a last minute attempt to sign him in last month’s transfer window) have been put on alert.

Dembele is reportedly keen to make more of an impact on the European stage at a high profile English club.

His £40 million valuation could scupper any bid by either club. (Daily Express)

‘You’re going to the wrong side of the city’

Former Celtic midfielder Marc Crosas told his former coach Pedro Caixinha that he was heading to the wrong Glasgow club.

The Portuguese coach is the hot favourite to take over the reins at Rangers, after indicating he was willing to walk away from a multi-million pound contract to come to Ibrox.

Crosas previously played under Caixinha at Mexican club Santos Laguna.

Referring to a conversation with him recently, Crosas said: “My message to him was simple. You are going to the wrong side of the city!” (Scottish Sun)

Is Leigh Griffiths leave Celtic?

Plagued by injuries, Leigh Griffiths is struggling to get playing time at Celtic at the moment in the face of the impressive form of Moussa Dembele.

Could his current struggles see the 26-year-old leave for Hibs - where he played on loan from 2011 to 2013 - on an emergency loan? In an exchange on Twitter, he hinted at just that.

His comments, however, appear to be tongue in cheek after being mocked about his form: “In fairness, Hibs is probably your level now mate, sure an emergency loan on cards soon.” (HITC)

Alex Neil distances himself from Rangers

Norwich City boss Alex Neil has distanced himself from speculation linking him to the vacant manager’s seat at Ibrox.

Neil has been suggested as one of the favourites to succeed ousted Mark Warburton, but has since ended talk of a move north of the border.

The Glaswegian told the Norwich Evening News: “I have no interest in what happens at Rangers. I am focused on Norwich.

“I didn’t spend any time thinking about it [rumours]. I got a lot of texts and a lot of phone calls, which is just normal.” (Sportslens.com)

Knighthoods for Lisbon Lions?

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers last night called for the Lisbon Lions to be knighted for in recognition of their exploits in the European Cup in 1967

Celtic became the first British side to become European champions in a historic 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon.

Rodgers said he was amazed the Celtic side had not been honoured by Buckingham Palace and called for them to be honoured in the 50th anniversary year. (Daily Record)

Frank McParland joins Nottingham Forrest

Frank McParland has been appointed as Nottingham Forrest’s director of football following his controversial departure from Rangers.

It was claimed by Ibrox bosses that McParland, along with manager Mark Warburton and his assistant David Weir, had resigned.

The 56-year-old - who notably signed Joey Barton - succeeds Pedro Pereira and will look to guide the Championship side to success. (Insidefutbol.com)

NEWS IN BRIEF:

• Two Rangers fans have been banned from games for two years after the pitch invasion during the Scottish Cup final. (Daily Record)

• Striker Henrik Ojamaa continues to be an injury concern for Dundee after limping off the pitch during the side’s 1-0 midweek defeat to Partick Thistle. (Evening Telegraph)

Rumour Mill: Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths to leave Celtic? | Alex Neil keeps Rangers at a distance