Rumour Mill: Schweinsteiger to Celtic? | Rangers in for Garner

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been linked with a shock move to Celtic. Picture: Getty Images

Schweinsteiger to Celtic?

CELTIC have been linked with a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The World Cup winner has been frozen out by United boss Jose Mourinho and made to train with the reserves, and will likely be on the move before the end of the transfer window.

And speculation has linked the 32-year-old with a move to Celtic - but only if the Hoops can beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva and advance to the Champions League group stages. (Various)

Rangers prepare Garner bid

RANGERS are set to make an offer for Preston North End striker Joe Garner - despite Lilywhites boss Simon Grayson insisting that the 28-year-old was not for sale.

Garner has hit 57 goals in 133 matches for the Deepdale side, and is reportedly open to a transfer, with Rangers boss Mark Warburton on the lookout for a striker.

However, the Ibrox side will likely have to shell out at least £1 million for the forward, who has two years left on his Preston contract. (Daily Record)

Stanton ‘can leave on loan’

HIBERNIAN midfielder Sam Stanton has been told he can go out on loan this season in order to get regular game time.

The 22-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Livingston, playing 13 games and scoring three goals, has been included in recent Hibs squads but has not featured on the park.

And now the Edinburgh-born midfielder, who signed a new four-year deal in 2014, could go out on loan once more. (Evening News)

Augustyn sold Nowak on Hearts switch

KRYSTIAN Nowak made up his mind to join Hearts after fellow Polish defender Blazej Augustyn recommended the club to him.

The 22-year-old moved to Tynecastle on a two-year deal earlier this week after impressing while on trial at Riccarton. Nowak comes in to fill defensive voids left by the summer departures of Jordan McGhee, on loan to Middlesbrough, and Augustyn, to Serie B side Ascoli.

“I spoke with Blazej and he told me all about the club,” said Nowak. “He spoke only good things. When it came to making the decision, it was easy. Blazej said Hearts would be good for my career and a good step for me.” (Evening News)

Stewart completes Birmingham move

GREG Stewart has become the latest player to leave Dens Park in the current transfer window. The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with Birmingham City after passing a medical yesterday.

He becomes the third player to leave the club in the last few weeks after Kane Hemmings left for Oxford United and Gary Harkins was released. Stewart will go straight into Birmingham’s squad for their Championship fixture against Leeds this weekend. (The Scotsman)

Neilson: Walker must not be tainted by dive ban

HEARTS boss Robbie Neilson says Jamie Walker should not be stigmatised by the cheating charges which have led to the winger being forced to sit out the next two matches.

While it is inevitable that some opposition fans will make an issue of the blot on the player’s copybook, his manager expects match officials to rise above it and ensure their view is not tainted by an incident he says is now firmly in the past.

“It shouldn’t feature in the mind of officials,” said Neilson. “They go into a game and judge the there and then. It shouldn’t be hanging there so I don’t expect it to be.” (The Scotsman)

Forrest glad for fresh start under Rodgers

JAMES Forrest has admitted he’s glad to have a clean slate under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

The winger, who faced jeers from fans as he played a peripheral role in the last few months of Ronny Deila’s tenure, claims nothing ever changed for him.

He added: “I’ve always said I wanted to stay here. I’ve been here since I was nine and never wanted to leave. I made the club know that straight away. I’m just glad it’s done now. We’ve got a top-class manager here as well. When he came in, everyone had a clean slate. I’m impressed with him so far and just want to keep going.” (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Liam Fontaine believes that Hibs are a ‘big scalp’ as the biggest club in the Championship and has warned his team mates that they have to be able to deal with the pressure it brings

• Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes his side’s 4-0 Scottish Cup win over Dundee at Ibrox last season proved that the Gers were on their way back to the top

• Interview: Richie Foran, Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager, on going from wild boy to boss

Rumour Mill: Schweinsteiger to Celtic? | Rangers in for Garner | Hibs keen on loan move for midfielder