Rumour mill: Suarez banned | Sevilla eye Van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk is wanted by Newcastle, Southampton and now Sevilla. Picture: Robert Perry

Luis Suarez banned for four months from football

Luis Suarez made his way home from Brazil after FIFA used video evidence to punish the striker for biting Giorgio Chiellini, by banning him for four months from football. His club Liverpool are set to lose the striker for 12 Premier League and Champion’s League games. It is thought the ban could also lessen any price Liverpool hope to place on the striker, should they decide to sell him this Summer. Uruguayan FA president Wilmar Valdez intends to appeal the ruling, he said: “It’s severe. It feels like Uruguay has been thrown out of the World Cup.” (Various)

Sevilla join chase to snap up Van Dijk

Sevilla last night joined the race to sign Celtic stopper Virgil Van Dijk. The classy Dutch centre half is a target for new Southampton boss Ronald Koeman who is expected to make a move once Dejan Lovren makes his big money move to Liverpool. Celtic are hoping to keep the player for at least another season but if the bids start to reach past the £6m mark, which they are expected to, then it could be hard for them to say no. (Record)

Georgios Samaras could make a sensational move to Everton

The Greek World Cup hero is apparently a target for Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who wants to team him up with former team mate Aiden McGeady. Romelu Lukaku has returned to Chelsea after a season long loan and that has left Everton seeking new striking options. However they could face stiff competition from Greek champions Olympiakos who are looking to take him back to his home country. (Sun)

The Greek star has also hit the headlines with his pledge to his old pal Jay.

Stubbs pledges to give fans a team that will make them proud

New Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs has promised disgruntled fans that he will create a team that will make them proud. Stubbs, comes into charge of the Leith club amid a backdrop of supporter fury directed at chairman Rod Petrie, he said: “The most important thing is fans want to see things right on the pitch. My focus is on the team. There are always things that people are not happy with but we need to look forward rather than back.”

Leeann Dempster has backed her manager and said: “I won’t make the budget public, but it’s strong and there’s money to bring players in.” (Various)

Boyd to make his decision

Gary Locke have insisted they haven’t given up on keeping Kris Boyd yet, despite word that the striker could already have agreed to sign for Rangers. The Rugby Park assistant manager said: “We are still quietly hopeful he will stay and we have not given up. It’s difficult to compare with the likes of Rangers but he’s not there yet.” (Record)

However the Sun have reported that the former Rangers man will sign for his old club today after agreeing a one year deal. A source told the Sun: “Barring any last ditch problems it’s a done deal.” (Sun)

Saints in for Goodwillie

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright reckons Perth is the perfect place for misfiring Scotland striker David Goodwillie to get his career back on track. The Saints will face stiff competition for his signature though with Kilmarnock thought to be keen on him. Though Wright reckons he might have stole a march already as Goodwillie has already been at the club for talks after Wright tried to sign the former Dundee United on loan in January. (Express)

Josh Law signs for Motherwell

Josh Law is looking forward to the chance to create a ‘family feud’ with brother Nicky after signing for Motherwell. He said: “We played together at Sheffield United but we’ve never come across each other professionally, it would be good if we got Rangers in the cup. I’d say we are similar types of players, we like to get on the ball, create chances and work hard. I’m not the exact same player as him though - I’m better!” (Express)

News in brief:

• Robert Snodgrass could be on the verge of sealing an £8m move to Hull city. (Various)

• Dumbarton have sold out their season tickets for the coming season, with a total of a record 2,020 season books being sold. (Sun)

• Robbie Neilson grateful for signing of 6ft 3in Turkish under 21 defender Alim Ozturk (Sun)

• Aberdeen’s euro opponents in trouble as no.1 keeper is crocked with Latvian under-21 star Janis Krumins being taken to hospital. (Sun)