Rumour Mill: Ofir Marciano to Hibs? | Warburton laughs off van Persie link

Hibs are hopeful of landing Israeli international goalkeeper Ofir Marciano on loan. Picture: Getty Images

Israeli ‘keeper on verge of joining Hibs

HIBS have been linked with a loan move for Israeli goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.

The 26-year-old ‘keeper, who stands at 6ft 4, is currently with FC Ashdod in his homeland, but spent time on loan at Belgian side Mouscron-Peruwelz last season.

Marciano - capped 10 times for his country - arrived in Edinburgh last night for talks over a season-long loan deal. (Various)

Lennon eyes Alloa forward Layne

NEIL Lennon is reportedly running the rule over Alloa forward Isaac Layne.

The 21-year-old forward, who has netted twice in the League Cup, joined the Wasps in 2015 after spells with Billericay, Southend United and Hayes & Yeading.

Lennon has said he is keen to bolster his attacking options and could move for the English hitman. (Scottish Sun)

Warburton laughs off RVP rumour

MARK Warburton has laughed off rumours linking Robin van Persie with a move to Rangers, adding: “Out of our pay league, I think, is a fair comment.”

Odds on the Dutch striker joining Rangers were shortened yesterday but Warburton said: “There is no truth in the story whatsoever. I woke up to a barrage of texts and missed calls, with apparently the deal done.

“I have no idea where the rumour emanated from.” (The Scotsman)

UEFA throw out Astana’s Griffiths claim

UEFA have dismissed a bid by Astana to get Leigh Griffiths banned for the second leg of their European clash.

Astana claim that Griffiths ‘punched’ Igor Shitov and should have been sent off - but the Celtic striker was booked by the referee for the incident which Griffiths described as ‘handbags’. (Scottish Sun)

Graham linked with Hibs switch

BRIAN Graham has been linked with Hibs as Neil Lennon seeks to add to his forward line ahead of the new season’s curtain-raiser against Falkirk.

Graham scored 11 in 16 for Ross County last season but faces competition from Alex Schalk, Liam Boyce and Craig Curran and could be tempted to move on in search for regular first team football. (Evening News)

Clark could quit Killie

LEE Clark could sensationally quit Rugby Park - after an astonishing bust-up with his players this week.

The Kilmarnock boss saw his team come from two goals down to beat Berwick Rangers in the League Cup - but Clark slammed his players for a ‘below-par performance’ and gave them two days off while he tries to work out his future.

Clark brought in 11 players during the summer after being tasked with rebuilding the Kilmarnock squad. Killie retained their Premiership status with a play-off final win over Falkirk. (Scottish Sun)

We can score in Maribor, vows Dons boss

DEREK McInnes watched his Aberdeen side squander a number of chances against Slovenian side Maribor last night but claimed his Dons will score in the return leg.

Maribor took the lead through Milivoje Novakovic’s 83rd-minute goal but Jonny Hayes scored a vital equaliser with time running out to balance the tie ahead of next week’s showdown at the Ljudski vrt Stadium.

McInnes said: ““There’s no doubt Maribor are in a stronger position but we can score over there.

“We scored in Groningen and we scored against Rijeka so we can do it.” (Daily Record)

Celtic ‘belong in Champions League’ insists Messi

LIONEL Messi has insisted that Celtic ‘belong’ in the Champions League.

The mercurial star has vowed to give the Celtic defence no respite in tomorrow’s Champions Cup meeting - to sharpen up the Hoops rearguard ahead of their return leg against Astana.

Messi added: “Celtic they have much more important games than this coming up with the Champions League qualifiers, but this can help them prepare. They are a big club, with big fans, and I would like to see them qualify this year - it is where they belong.” (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has said he will give Khalid Aucho a ‘proper opportunity’ to show what he can do but says there is ‘no rush’ to sign the Ugandan international

• Celtic fans have hit out at Moussa Dembele - after the former Fulham striker appeared not to celebrate Leigh Griffiths’ equaliser against Astana

• Former St Mirren duo Craig Reid and Stuart Carswell have both signed for Icelandic outfit Keflavik

Rumour Mill: Ofir Marciano to Hibs? | Warburton laughs off van Persie link | UEFA throw out Griffiths ban bid