Rumour Mill: Strachan to stay | £20m Dembele good enough for Real | Gerrard a better tourist than player

Gordon Strachan has told the SFA he wants to stay, Celtic striker is worth £20m and could play for Real Madrid, and Steven Gerrard was more of a tourist than a player at LA Galaxy

Gordon Strachan wants to stay on as Scotland manager. Picture: Tim Goode/PA Wire

Strachan wants to stay as Scotland boss

Gordon Strachan has told SFA chiefs he wants to stay on as national coach and see out the World Cup qualifying campaign. His decision has come as a surprise to the Hampden hierarchy who expected him to quit. (Daily Record)

Gordon has done a good job, says Petrie

SFA vice-president has defended Strachan, claiming the Scotland manager has “done a good job”. (STV)

Dembele for Real Madrid?

It’s only natural that Celtic striker Moussa Dembele should be linked with clubs like Real Madrid, says team-mate Scott Sinclair. (The Sun)

Celtic striker is worth £20m

Former Fulham boss Kit Symons reckons Dembele is worth at least £20 million. The Celtic hitman’s reputation soared further with two goals for France U21 in their win over England. (Daily Record)

Moussa is French star in the making

Kolo Toure has tipped Dembele to be the next star of the full France team following his performances for the under-21s (Daily Mail)

Sinclair urges Gerrard to come to Celtic

Former England captain Steven Gerrard would get “a buzz” out of playing for Celtic, says Parkhead winger Scott Sinclair (The Scotsman)

Gerrard a better tourist than player in LA

Steven Gerrard’s fading powers as a driving midfield player were exposed during his spell in MLS. (The Guardian)

Derek Riordan bids to find a new club

Former Hibs and Celtic striker Derek Riordan has played for a ‘Showcase XI’ organised by agent Cesare Marchetti as he tries to find a new club. The team is coached by Garry O’Connor and Ian Murray. (Daily Mail)

Turn up the noise, says Lennon

Neil Lennon has urged Hibs fans to make more noise at Easter Road. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Modern life is stifling Scottish football

Scotland captain Darren Fletcher blames the “controlled environment” kids now live in for a lost generation of Scottish players. (The Sun)

Mark McGhee to fight SFA rap

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee will contest an SFA charge after issued with a notice of complaint for “aggressive behaviour” following his side’s 2-0 defeat by Dundee. (The Sun)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Celtic have the third highest home support in British football, after Manchester United and Arsenal. (Various)

• Pep Guardiola has banned Manchester City players from having sex after midnight. (Various)

• Cricket’s governing body wants to check players’ WhatsApp messages if they suspect match-fixing. (The Guardian)

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