Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk move | Anthony Stokes to Hibs?

Virgil van Dijk agitates for move

Celtic look set to cash in on Virgil van Dijk with the defender telling Southampton that he wants to leave.

Van Dijk left Celtic two years ago in a £10m deal to Southampton with a sell on clause believed to be between 10-15% on any future sale.

Liverpool seemed close to agreeing a £60m deal for the defender but that fell through after Southampton reported Jurgen Klopp’s side to the FA over an improper approach for the player. (Various)

Blackburn Rovers free Stokes

Blackburn Rovers have terminated the contract of former Celtic striker Anthony Stokes, who could be set for a return to Hibernian.

The Republic of Ireland international left the Hoops on a free transfer last summer following a loan spell at Easter Road, but struggled for game time with the English Championship side. (Herald)

Andy Robertson sign for Liverpool

Liverpool FC have announced the signing of former Dundee United man Andy Robertson.

The deal will mean a major pay day for United, who negotiated a sell-on clause with Hull. Although the transfer fee has not been confirmed, it is thought United’s slice could be between £600,000 and £800,000. (Courier)

Dermot Desmond’s bank fined

A bank partly owned and run by Celtic’s biggest shareholder Dermot Desmond has been fined for letting its clients bust sanctions against North Korea after an FBI probe.

A watchdog in the Baltic state of Latvia found Rietumu banka - where Mr Desmond has been a key player for more than a decade - had breached rules on both money laundering and counter terrorist financing. (Herald)

International ambition behind Izaguirre move

Emilio Izaguirre has revealed he had to quit Celtic to save his international career with Honduras.

The long-serving Hoops defender has left the Premiership champions after seven trophy-laden years to sign for Saudi Arabian big-spenders Al-Fayha. (Record)

Ross County win Betfred Cup

Almost 600 travelling fans saw the game settled 4-3 on penalties in County’s favour, Michael Gardyne hammering in the clincher after misses by Steven Whittaker and Olly Shaw. On the face of it, it was all about the Betfred Cup but both managers would have privately been gauging readiness for the Premiership campaign. (Scotsman)

Celtic to close Green Brigade standing section for 2 games

The decision, which has been taken amid serious safety concerns and after discussion with the police, follows events at the matches against Hearts in May and Linfield on Wednesday night. (Scotsman)

- Celtic have announced they’ve sold out their entire season-ticket allocation for the 2017-18 campaign.

Interview: Rory Currie seeks greater recognition at Hearts

Rory Currie’s contribution to the Hearts cause since he broke into the first team last season has seen him recognised as a kid with plenty of potential. Those expectations are something he can live with and he admits that being recognised when he is out and about is also now part of life. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen’s Greg Stewart relishes link-up with Ryan Christie

Aberdeen Euro hero Greg Stewart has backed himself to form a dangerous partnership with Ryan Christie once he gets up to full fitness and he believes the Dons are in a strong position to enjoy another fruitful campaign. (Scotsman)

Where Hibs may look next after signing Deivydas Matulevicius

Lithuanian striker Deivydas Matulevicius became Hibs’ sixth summer signing when he agreed to a two-year deal on Thursday. Here’s the other positions Hibs could look to strengthen between now and the end of the transfer window.

Neil McCann glad to have keeper competition at Dundee

Dundee manager Neil McCann is happy with the competition throughout his squad after bringing in former Colchester and Accrington goalkeeper Elliott Parish.

The 27-year-old will challenge Scott Bain for the No 1 spot after arriving on a one-year contract on Thursday, following the departure of back-up goalkeeper David Mitchell to Falkirk. (Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: Virgil van Dijk move | Anthony Stokes to Hibs? | Dermot Desmond's bank fined