Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila targets Scots | Virgil Van Dijk
Ronny Deila targets Scotland squad players
Celtic manager Ronny Deila has revealed that he is assessing every member of the Scotland team with the January transfer window now open for business.
“We are looking at every player in the Scottish national team,” Deila told the Sunday Mail, with Celtic in Gran Canaria on a 12-day winter break.
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Hide Ad“We have a lot of players on our list and we will see what is happening.
“I want to have the team as Scottish as possible because it is important that they feel commitment to Celtic.” (Sunday Mail)
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Virgil Van Dijk won’t leave in January
The wantaway Dutch defender has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool but Celts say there is no chance of a deal until the summer.
He said: “Celtic will not cooperate with a departure in this transfer period.
“It would boost my career if I could step up but I have no problem to stay a bit longer.” (Various)
Rangers accuse Alloa over plastic pitch pellets
Caretaker Rangers boss Kenny McDowall claimed his side had to overcome both Alloa and their plastic pitch in order to beat the Wasps for the first time this season
He said: “We knew it was going to be a real difficult day with the conditions and the pitch, so if you had said 1-0 before I’d have taken it.
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Hide Ad“It’s not the easiest pitch to play on. I don’t know if they got a new order of pellets for Christmas, but the boys were saying there seemed to be more on it than was on it the last time. It’s really difficult actually. You see it when the players are shooting - some of them can’t get it airborne. I’m not keen on it at all.” (STV)
Hearts game is a ‘must win’ says Nicky Law
Nicky Law thinks a win against Hearts at Ibrox on Friday could kick-start Rangers’ Championship title push.
“It’s a must-win game,” said midfielder Law. “If we can get it back to 10, you never know.
“Unfortunately that is a huge gap to claw back but we will do our best to try and rein them in, starting on Friday night.” (BBC)
Rangers First snap up another 60,000 Ibrox shares
Fan-ownership group Rangers First has increased its Ibrox stake after snapping up another 60,000 shares and now controls 0.8 % of the club. With three factions – Dave King and the Three Bears; the Phoenix Suns owner, Robert Sarver; and the existing board which is aligned with the Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley – all battling for control of the Glasgow club, the Ibrox support could yet have a vital part to play. Around 10% of Rangers’ shares are owned by fans and small shareholders. Developments regarding Sarver’s £20m takeover bid and possible news of another loan are expected in the next few days. (Guardian)
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