Rumour Mill: Rangers warned off Preston striker | Ambrose denies exit talk

Rangers have been warned that Preston striker Joe Garner is 'not for sale'. Picture: Getty Images

Gers warned off Garner

RANGERS have been warned off making a bid for Preston North End striker Joe Garner.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 57 goals in 148 appearances for the Lilywhites, is not for sale according to the Deepdale club.

Wigan were also reportedly interested in the striker, who has two years left on his current deal. (LEP)

Ambrose rubbishes exit talk

EFE Ambrose has denied he is set to leave Celtic and has claimed: “I know the people who are behind these rumours.”

The Nigerian stopper has been linked with Fenerbahce, Bayer Leverkusen and Olympiakos, but Ambrose insisted: “I am not aware of any talks regarding a move away from Celtic.

“I have said before I am ready to fight for my spot in the team here, and nothing has changed.” (Scottish Sun)

Villa ‘will accept £4m for Sinclair’

CELTIC have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Scott Sinclair with the winger’s club apparently dropping his value.

Aston Villa are reportedly happy to accept £4 million for the former Manchester City wideman, after previously wanting as much as £6 million.

The Hoops have made several bids for the 27-year-old but could get their man thanks to the lower asking price. (Birmingham Mail)

O’Connell ‘will fight for place’

CELTIC defender Eoghan O’Connell has vowed to fight for a first team spot at Parkhead rather than follow team mate Jamie Lindsay on loan.

Lindsay signed for Morton on a loan deal barely days after O’Connell played against Astana in the Champions League qualifier.

O’Connell said: “I would rather take my chances at Celtic than go out on loan. My main aim since I came here is to play here and make it here and that’s hopefully what I’m going to do.” (Evening Times)

Lennon close to sealing Marciano deal

NEIL Lennon has revealed he is close to completing a loan deal for Israeli international goalkeeper Ofir Marciano within the next few days.

Lennon, who has also been linked with Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson, is keen to bring in three more players, one of which will be the 26-year-old Ashdod goalie.

The Hibs head coach added: “With regards to Liam, we’ve made a call and that’s it. Brendan Rodgers will want to assess his squad, so I can’t speculate what will happen there.” (Scottish Sun)

Clark ‘not going anywhere’

LEE Clark has revealed a bit of time away with his dog has helped him put things at Kilmarnock into perspective.

The Rugby Park boss was the subject of speculation that he might quit after a narrow win over Berwick in the League Cup and a loss to Morton, but Clark has vowed to turn things around.

The ex-Fulham star said: “We have great lads here and we want to be successful. We want to keep getting better than we have been so we’ll move forward. I enjoy being here and it’s onwards and upwards.” (Scottish Sun)

Kennedy defends Champions Cup clash

CELTIC first-team coach John Kennedy refuses to admit tonight’s Dublin meeting with Barcelona is a game too far for his club – despite the encounter being sandwiched between Champions League qualifiers against FC Astana that could shape not just the season but the entire reign of new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Kennedy believes that the joust with the Catalan giants can complement preparations for the third round qualifier.

“We can use it to suit players’ needs and there are players that need minutes on the pitch. At the same time, we will have Sunday, Monday Tuesday to prepare for the Astana game,” said Kennedy. (The Scotsman)

Doran poised to make return

AARON Doran could feature for Inverness Caledonian Thistle against Arbroath today after more than a year out with a knee injury.

Doran’s last match came against Astra Giurgui in July 2015. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Ex-Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty has been charged with misconduct in relation to betting. The Northern Irish striker reportedly placed a bet on a game that took place in February

• A Rangers fan with 20 previous convictions has been jailed for four months and handed an 18-month football banning order for his part in the post-Scottish Cup final fracas in May

• Dundee could look to former Dunfermline striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui to replace Kane Hemmings, who joined Oxford United earlier this week

Rumour Mill: Rangers warned off Preston striker | Ambrose denies exit talk | Hibs close in on goalie