Rumour Mill: Terry Butcher | Gary Hooper | Dundee

NEIL Lennon has warned that Celtic are losing patience with the saga surrounding striker Gary Hooper’s contract.

The English striker, who has forced his way into contention for an international call-up, has stalled on a new, improved contract since late last year. That offer remains on the table, but Lennon warned that time is running out. Celtic rejected a number of transfer offers for the player in the January transfer window. (Express)

Thomas Rogne rejects Celtic deal

Celtic defender Thomas Rogne has stunned the Parkhead club by rejecting a new deal. Neil Lennon wants to renew the Norwegian’s contract but talks have stalled.

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Lennon has warned the player that an improved deal may not be forthcoming. (Various)

Terry Butcher in the frame for Swindon job

Swindon Town want Inverness boss Terry Butcher as their new manager, it has been reported.

A local consortium have just taken over at the League One club – three days after manager Paolo Di Canio quit. Former England captain Butcher is their top target to take over at the County Ground. (Various)

Dundee look to appoint new boss this weekend

Dundee are closing in on a new boss, and could have him in place by the time they face Celtic on Sunday.

Dundee’s chief executive has reportedly held a round of interviews with prospective candidates, with former player John Brown firmly linked along with Dunfermline coach Neil McCann, Jimmy Calderwood and Gus MacPherson. (Various)

Falkirk boss Alex Smith believes Rangers are to blame for Barry Smith losing his job at Dundee. Alex Smith believes his namesake was left a “near impossible” task after Dundee’s last minute promotion to replace Rangers in the SPL.

He said: “The saddest thing about it is that Rangers are to blame for the man’s 17-year association with the club coming to an end. When Rangers were liquidated and the new company placed in the Third Division there was a domino effect and Dundee came off worse with their sudden promotion to the SPL.” (The Sun)

Kris Boyd heading back to Kilmarnock

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Kris Boyd, who has become a free agent following his release from Portland Timbers, is the Scottish Premier League’s record goalscorer with 164 goals and has 18 Scotland caps.

Pars players to complain over wage delays

The patience of Dunfermline’s beleaguered players has finally snapped as first-team stars prepare to lodge a formal complaint with the Scottish Football League regarding unpaid wages.

Staff are currently in the midst of a fourth successive month of delayed salaries, while sources suggest unpaid bonuses could stretch back as far as October 2012. PFA Scotland, the players’ union, have been in regular dialogue with players from Dunfermline for several months, but, with no end to the problems in sight, matters have come to a head. (Scotsman)

McFadden must win fight for place in Motherwell team

Stuart McCall has stressed that James McFadden will need to win his place in the Motherwell team – but he is looking to get the Scotland forward up to peak sharpness as soon as possible in order to get the best out of his return to the club. (Various)

Kevin Thomson move played down by Fenlon

He spoke to me last week, after coming out of Middlesbrough, looking for somewhere to train and get himself fit. He’s an ex-player and very well respected here, so we have given him that opportunity. At the moment that is all it is. He’s a fabulous player and he would enhance any squad, but there is a question mark over the money, and that is where we are. (Scotsman)

Charlie Adam in Stoke City plans

Charlie Adam is still in Stoke City plans according to Potters boss Tony Pulis. The Scotland international has missed the last two games and is rumoured to be on his way out in the summer.

But Pulis has insisted that Adam is still wanted at the Britannia, he said: “We don’t want him to go anywhere. But he’s had a difficult period with his father passing away.

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“We’ll look after him. Charlie was very close to his dad. It’s been hard for him.” (Various)

Goncalves needs to ditch the bling

Esmael Goncalves has been tipped for the top by his manager, Danny Lennon said as long as the 21-year-old ditches the bling lifestyle and loses a few pounds.

Lennon said: “He is doing well. The major point is he is a professional and he knows his body has got to be fine tuned. It’s important players take that responsibility because we can only guide him.

“He has been terrific, although he likes his bling and we have to remind him to take it off. He’s made a good impact and if he’s prepared to put the work in on a daily basis and get himself in tip-top condition that boy will go all the way. (Daily Record)