Rumour Mill: Third Celtic bid for Ciftci

Celtic are refusing to give up in their efforts to sign the United frontman. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Celtic to make third bid for Nadir Ciftci

Celtic are poised to final a third offer for Nadir Ciftci after it became apparent the wantaway Dundee United striker will not sign for English League One side Wigan.

United are desperate to sell the striker to anyone but Celtic in order to avoid a fan backlash. The Tannadice faithful are still hurting from the joint sale of Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong at the end of the January transfer window, and another big name departure to Parkhead will only fuel more discontent in the stands.

Adam Matthews has signed for Sunderland. Picture: PA

However, Ciftci has his heart set on playing Champions League football, and if no-one else comes in with an offer United may be forced into the choice of accepting defeat and selling to Celtic, or see him potentially leave for Parkhead a year down the line for nothing. (Daily Record)

Lee McCulloch for Rangers coaching role

Lee McCulloch could be in line for a return to Rangers – just weeks after he was freed by the Ibrox side.

McCulloch, 37, is being considered for a coaching role back at the club he has served as a player for the last eight seasons.

The veteran was wanted by Kilmarnock, with manager Gary Locke keen to add him to his coaching staff. But McCulloch rejected the offer and is now understood to be very much in the thoughts of Rangers’ new management team of Mark Warburton and David Weir, the latter a former team-mate. (The Scotsman)

Adam Matthew completes Sunderland move

Full-back Adam Matthews last night completed his £2 million transfer from Celtic to Sunderland.

Matthews played 42 games in the 2014/15 campaign but his future at Celtic Park came into doubt after it was revealed the Glasgow giants were chasing youngster Saidy Janko and assistant manager John Collins talked up the return of Mikael Lustig from long-term injury.

Sunderland’s bid of £2 million was accepted on Thursday and the deal went through after Matthews accepted terms on a four-year deal. (Daily Mail)

Rangers open to signing John Eustace

Rangers manager Mark Warburton remains open to signing former Watford and Derby midfielder John Eustace.

The Ibrox club have announced the 35-year-old would start training at Murray Park next week with a view to agreeing a contract. (The Scotsman)

Celtic loanee relishing year in Paisley

Celtic youngster Paul McMullan is looking forward to establishing himself in the St Mirren first team after agreeing to a season-long loan with the Paisley side.

McMullan, who can play either on the wing or up front, performed excellently for Stenhousemuir in the second half of last season and is looking to replicate that form in the Scottish Championship.

The 19-year old wants to establish a partnership with a man 17 years his senior in Buddies’ veteran Steven Thompson.

Meanwhile, fellow Celtic youth products Connor McManus and Michael Duffy have joined Alloa Athletic on loan. (Evening Times)

Wes Foderingham on the infamous Di Canio spat

New Rangers signing Wes Foderingham revealed that he broke a door following his famous spat with Paulo Di Canio when the pair were at Swindon.

The goalkeeper was hauled off 21 minutes into an away match with Preston after conceding two quick goals. He reacted angrily by exchanging words with his manager before booting a water bottle and inflicting a similar punishment on the away dressing room door.

The story became big news and Foderingham was forced to issue an apology. He says the whole saga helped build character and will prepare him for the media scrutiny he’ll face at Rangers. (Daily Record)

Dedryk Boyata: Mackay-Steven can be Celtic’s ace

Dedryck Boyata believes Gary Mackay-Steven can be the man to unlock the door to the Champions League group phase for Celtic after being blown away by his ability.

Boyata, Ronny Deila’s major signing ahead of the new season, knew nothing of the former Dundee United winger before he joined the club from Manchester City.

But now the talented centre back tries to avoid him in training in case Mackay-Steven makes him look foolish. (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: Third Celtic bid for Ciftci | Matthews