Rumour Mill: Wigan eye Scott Allan | Rangers eye Premiership title challenge | Celtic defensive crisis

Wigan linked with move for Scott Allan; Rangers targeting Scottish Premiership title next season and Celtic sweat over defence as two limp off in Dundee stalemate

Scott Allan is a target for Wigan, who are keen to land the midfielder on a season-long loan deal. Picture: SNS Group

Wigan keen on Allan

WIGAN are reportedly keen on Celtic midfielder Scott Allan, with former Hoops defender Gary Caldwell hopeful of bringing the ex-Hibs ace in on a season-long loan deal.

Allan was a target for Rotherham, Rangers and the Latics when he eschewed a move to boyhood heroes Rangers and joined Celtic.

Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds are all said to be keeping tabs on Allan’s situation. (Scottish Sun)

Gers ‘have to challenge for title’ - Halliday

RANGERS midfielder Andy Halliday has insisted that Rangers need to be challenging for the Scottish Premiership title next season.

The boyhood Rangers fan said: “We’ve got to be challenging for the title; it’s as simple as that.

“And that’s not me being arrogant or disrespectful to Celtic at all, they have won four in a row and going for another title, but you can’t be at a club [like Rangers] and be happy with second.” (The Scotsman)

Warburton ‘keen to add five’ before next season

JUBILANT Rangers boss Mark Warburton knows he needs to fine tune his team before attempting to challenge Celtic next season.

The former Brentford boss said after the Gers had clinched the title: “With the right recruitment, we will bring in four or five players. But the boys have to enjoy this moment. They will have a little champagne, that’s fine. But we’re back into work this week. We’ve got a cup final at the weekend.” (Various)

Celtic sweat as two defenders limp off in Dundee draw

CELTIC are sweating over the fitness of their defence after both Erik Sviatchenko and Mikael Lustig were forced off in the 0-0 draw at Dundee.

Ronny Deila is already without Jozo Simunovic, who is out for the remainder of the season while Saidy Janko is injured and Tyler Blackett is unlikely to be parachuted into the starting XI.

Utility man Charlie Mulgrew may be needed to do a job in the back line in Celtic’s next match against Motherwell. (Evening Times)

Hibs end winless streak and put pressure on Bairns

HIBS came from behind at Easter Road last night to earn a 2-1 victory over Livingston, bringing an end to the club’s winless streak that has seen them slip into third in the Championship.

Jordan White gave Livingston the lead after the Hibs defence failed to deal with Osman Kakay’s shot, but two late goals from Anthony Stokes and Martin Boyle gave Hibs a boost ahead of the matches against Alloa and Falkirk. (Various)

Title still in our hands, insists Deila

RONNY Deila expressed satisfaction with the goalless draw at Dundee despite conceding the dropped points offer Aberdeen hope, but is content the title remains in his side’s hands.

“The key to the door is still in our hands, of course,” said Deila, whose side were jeered by some Celtic fans after the stalemate.

“Everything is up to ourselves, we just have to keep getting results and having good performances. There are a lot of games left and we just have to keep going.” (The Scotsman)

Boerrigter looks to MLS to revive career

CELTIC flop Derk Boerrigter could attempt to revive his career in the USA, with the Dutch winger said to be keen on a move to MLS.

Boerrigter, who reportedly cost Celtic £3 million, hasn’t kicked a ball for the Hoops first team since late 2014.

But his agent Soren Lerby said: “We are open minded about finding a new club but we are focusing on getting a new team for the start of next season. He’s open to all offers. America would be a nice opportunity for him.” (Scottish Sun)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Mathias Pogba has triggered a contract extension at Partick Thistle after making his 25th appearance for the Jags while Callum Booth has signed a new deal at Firhill

• Mixu Paatelainen was furious - ‘spitting bullets’ - after his side fell to a 1-0 loss against Partick thanks to Kris Doolan’s goal. Mixu said: “I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. We had enough chances to win several games.”