Rumour Mill: Rangers | Virgil van Dijk | Hibs

Van Dijk has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a potential January transfer. Picture: SNS

DAVID Somers conduct is being investigated following revelations in an email sent by the Rangers chairman; Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists defender Virgil van Dijk is happy to remain at Celtic Park, and Hibs will have top scorer Dominique Malonga available for selection in the Edinburgh derby.

David Somers’s conduct questioned after email revelation

David Somers feared that terms offered by Rangers shareholder Mike Ashley would lead to a takeover of the club by former director Dave King and his ousting as Rangers chairman, an email has revealed. As a result, stock market officials have been asked to probe Somers conduct. (The Scotsman)

• In light of the email revelations, King has criticised Somers for what the South African-based businessman feels is an act of Somers prioritising his own interests before the needs of the club. (Daily Mail)

• Rangers supporters group Union of Fans want the Ibrox board to reconsider King’s £16 million investment offer after Mike Ashley’s bid to gain a larger stake was denied by the SFA. (Daily Express)

• There could be an extra plot twist, however, as the South African government have relaunched an investigation into King’s tax history. Last year the businessman was allowed to pay just £44m of the £149m the South African Revenue Services insisted he owed. There’s now a possibility that decision could now be reversed. (Daily Record)

No hard feelings between Durie and Durrant

• Gordon Durie remains firm friends with Ian Durrant despite being promoted above his former Ibrox teammate in the coaching pecking order at Rangers. Durrant had been first team coach under Ally McCoist but will now be working with the under-20s in the new structure, while Durie goes from taking the youngsters to the role of assistant manager. (The Scotsman)

Virgil van Dijk is ‘ very happy’ at Celtic

Ronny Deila insists Virgil van Dijk is “very happy” at Celtic as the club prepare to fend off interest in the highly coveted centre back during the January transfer window. In Deila’s own words, the player was “affected” by speculation during the summer, but the Celtic manager believes van Dijk has learned his lesson from that time and will remain a Celtic player for at least the rest of this season. (The Scotsman)

• Scotland international Ikechi Anya insists he’s heard nothing regarding a potential move to Celtic. The Watford winger dismissed the notion as nothing more than a rumour. (Daily Express)

• In the opinion of Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes the Scottish Premiership title is Celtic’s to lose. Speaking about the form of his side, the Dons’ manager praised the improved consistency which has enabled Aberdeen to sit only four points off Celtic, though he’s under no illusions regarding the identity of who the champions will likely be. (The Scotsman)

• Fixtures come thick and fast during the festive season, making it a wearisome period for some footballers. Celtic stopper Craig Gordon, however, is relishing the increased activity after spending two years out the game through injury. (Daily Mail)

Malonga cleared to play against Hearts

Hibernian have been granted special dispensation by Congo to field their top goalscorer Dominique Malonga in the crunch New Year derby against runaway Championship leaders Hearts. The striker was due to meet up with the rest of the 26-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations on February 2 - 24 hours before the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle - but has now been allowed to report later than his international teammates. (The Scotsman)

• Goalkeeper Mark Oxley wishes to remain at Easter Road past the January transfer window. The Hull City stopper is due to return to his parent club but has enjoyed the experience of playing first team football and wishes to finish what he’s started at Easter Road this campaign. (The Scotsman)

Hearts ‘could remain undefeated’ this season

Callum Paterson knows Hearts unbeaten league run will come to an end - he just doesn’t know whether it will be this season that the loss occurs. The right-back did insist the players are ready for such an eventuality, knowing that any major blip in form can allow the chasing pack a route back into the title race. (The Scotsman)

Consortium ready to bid for St Mirren

The South American consortium interested in taking over at St Mirren could complete their purchase of the club by the end of the January transfer window. The group have been impressed with the set-up at St Mirren and the club’s current board are expecting an offer to arrive shortly (Daily Express)

• Caretaker St Mirren boss Gary Teale says it would require a ridiculous offer for the club to sell young midfielder John McGinn in the January transfer window. (The Herald)

News in brief

• Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has called on his players to build on their win over Celtic with another strong showing against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park tomorrow. (Daily Mail)

• Derek McInnes wants Aberdeen to try and lock down midfielder Jonny Hayes on a long term deal. (The Herald)

• Burnley midfielder Scott Arfield has revealed his dream of a Scotland call-up in the new year. (Daily Record)

• Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough and his family have moved into their new Scottish home after the Englishman took over the vacant managerial role at the club 13 days ago. (Daily Record)

And finally...

The SFA are set to give out Christmas bonuses to some clubs after bumper clashes against Ireland and England last month helped boost revenue at Hampden. Clubs involved in the Club Academy Scotland programme and the Club Licensing scheme will be the ones to benefit from the £1.7m extra funding. (The Sun)