Rumour Mill: Rangers to battle Sunderland for Lescott | Celtic fans warned over Palestine flags

Joleon Lescott in action for Aston Villa. The former England defender is wanted by Rangers but Sunderland are also keen. Picture: Getty Images

Warburton meets with Lescott as Sunderland circle

MARK Warburton was pictured holding crunch talks with Joleon Lescott over a potential move to Rangers, as English Premier League side Sunderland remain hopeful of landing the former Manchester City stopper.

The Aston Villa centre half was linked with a move to Ibrox yesterday as Warburton attempts to bolster his defensive options but Lescott’s former boss David Moyes has held talks with him over a move to the Stadium of Light. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic fans warned over Palestine flags

CELTIC fans could face arrest if they wave Palestinian flags during the Champions League play-off clash with Hapoel Beer-Sheva, police have warned.

Some Hoops fans are planning to bring Palestinian flags with them to protest the Israel–Palestine conflict, with the club hit with a UEFA fine for similar in the past.

But now individuals could face action, with Police Scotland Superintendent Alan Murray saying fans could be detained if ‘there is criminality’. (The Scotsman)

Lennon braced for Cummings bids

NEIL Lennon has said he wouldn’t be surprised if Hibs receive further offers for Jason Cummings despite insisting the 21-year-old is not for sale.

The Easter Road side knocked back a £1.7m bid for the former Hearts youth from Peterborough, pointing out that they did not need to sell the forward.

And Lennon said: “There have been no further offers but I would not be surprised if there are. We had a good offer from Peterborough but we are in the position to say ‘thanks, but no thanks.’” (Evening News)

Celtic target rejects new deal

BLACKBURN Rovers defender Shane Duffy has rejected a new deal at Ewood Park.

The Irish defender was linked with Celtic and Brendan Rodgers refused to rule out a move for the former Everton stopper.

Rovers boss Owen Coyle said that no concrete offers had been received while Swansea City were also linked with the 24-year-old. (Various)

Hearts hopeful over FIFA’s Johnsen decision

BJORN Johnsen could finally make his Hearts debut on Saturday, with FIFA set to decide on the legitimacy of his transfer in the next 48 hours.

The governing body have indicated that they will decide whether to grant international clearance for Johnsen today or tomorrow at the latest.

The 24-year-old signed a three-year deal with Hearts after leaving Litex Lovech in Bulgaria. however, FIFA have yet to ratify his move because CSKA Sofia claim he has a contract with them. (Evening News)

Shinnie can have ‘Scott Allan effect’ at Hibs

ANDREW Shinnie has been tipped to “light up the Championship” just as Scott Allan did on his arrival at Easter Road.

The 27-year-old midfielder is poised to join Hibs on a season-long loan deal from Birmingham City.

Former Inverness CT team mate David Proctor believes Shinnie will thrive at Easter Road, adding: “Andrew is a really gifted player. He will definitely improve Hibs and create chances for others as well as coming up with the odd goal himself.” (Evening News)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Dundee have had a further bid for St Mirren midfielder Stevie Mallan turned down by the Buddies

• Former Rangers and Partick Thistle defender Jordan McMillan has had his drug ban reduced by a month

Rumour Mill: Rangers to battle Sunderland for Lescott | Celtic fans warned over Palestine flags | Hibs braced for Cummings bids