Rumour Mill: Wout Weghorst set to join Celtic | Brendan Rodgers unveiled | Barton '˜will sign for Rangers'

Celtic target Wout Weghorst in action for Netherlands U21s. Picture: Getty Images

Weghorst linked with Celtic switch

HERACLES Almelo striker Wout Weghorst says he will consider his choices this summer, amid fresh reports linking him with Celtic.

Weghorst has been quoted as saying Brendan Rodgers’ wants him as his first signing at Parkhead.

The 6ft 5.5in striker has scored 22 goals in 69 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit. (Various)

Rodgers at Celtic for ‘long haul’

BRENDAN Rodgers last night denied he would use Celtic to land another managerial position in the Premier League in England as he was paraded in front of thousands of supporters at Parkhead.

The former Liverpool manager signed a 12 month rolling contract with the Scottish champions on Friday. (The Herald)

Brendan Rodgers news in brief

• Brendan Rodgers has dismissed speculation that Steven Gerrard will join him at Celtic

• Rodgers says he had been earmarked as a potential Celtic manager of the future several years ago – by his late mentor Tommy Burns. Rodgers was given his first break in coaching by Burns at Reading in the 1990s after his playing career there was ended at a young age by a knee condition and the pair went on to become close friends

• Rodgers says he will speak to former Celtic managers Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon to gain an understanding of the demands of the role

• The new manager says moving to Celtic is not a step down from the English Premier League, adding that the Parkhead club is one of the ‘biggest’ in the world

• A crowd of almost 13,000 came to Parkhead last night to see Brendan Rodgers officially unveiled as Celtic manager

• Rodgers says Dermot Desmond was a key factor in his decision to come to Parkhead adding that he is determined to bring success to Celtic on the domestic and European front

• Brendan Rodgers is aiming for Celtic to emulate clubs such as Benfica and FC Porto when it comes to achievements on the European front

• Rodgers told The Guardian that he could have returned to former club Swansea City before agreeing to join Celtic

• St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright reckons his fellow countryman’s arrival at Parkhead can only be good for Scottish football

Rodgers’ respect for Scott Brown

NEW Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he holds current Celtic captain Scott Brown in high regard.

He said: “I’m really looking to meeting the captain, Scott Brown. He’s someone I’ve admired from a distance for a number of years.

“Until I get to work with them on a daily basis, I won’t know better.”

Joey Barton to sign for Rangers

JOEY Barton has given Rangers a verbal assurance that he will sign for them on a two-year deal, it is understood.

Burnley had offered the 33-year-old midfielder a further 12 months at Turf Moor but the free agent has decided on the longer-term security offered by the Glasgow club. (The Guardian)

Dons looking to add strength and depth

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes has vowed to build a team that can go the distance next season.

McInnes is proud of his side’s second successive title challenge to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership but there is frustration within Pittodrie that Aberdeen’s bid wilted in the final two months of the campaign. (The Scotsman)

Dundee not keen on Greg Stewart sale

DUNDEE are in no mood to cash in on star man Greg Stewart, according to John Nelms.

The Dens Park managing director has suggested the club are willing to lose the 26-year-old for nothing at the end of next season, rather than take the money and run this summer. (Evening Telegraph)

Trio to leave Rangers

NICKY Clark has been released by Rangers as Mark Warburton’s men start their summer reshuffle ahead of life in the Scottish Premiership.

The striker will not be handed a new deal by the Ibrox side after making 32 appearances this season.

Nicky Law and David Templeton will also leave the club. (STV)

Clear out at Kilmarnock

KILMARNOCK manager Lee Clark has released six players who are at the end of their contracts - Lee Ashcroft, Conor Brennan, Julien Faubert, Alex Henshall, Aaron Splaine and Chris Johnston,.

Club captain Mark Connolly’s final year of his contract has also been cancelled after an injury-hit season.

Kilmarnock have announced they are willing to listen to offers for a further seven players - Conrad Balatoni, Kallum Higginbotham, Dale Carrick, Kevin McHattie, Mark O’Hara, Tope Obadeyi and David Syme. (Various)

SFA to hold independent probe into Cup final

THE SFA will hold an independent investigation into disorder at the Scottish Cup final between Hibernian and Rangers.

There were serious violent clashes at Hampden Park when thousands spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle and had to be kept apart by police and stewards. (Various)

School coach denies involvement in fracas

A GEORGE Watson’s College coach has denied being involved in on-pitch violence at Hampden Park following Hibs’ Scottish Cup final victory.

Greg Binnie, from Ratho, says he had been falsely identified as a supporter seen pushing Rangers goalkeeper Wes Foderingham during the pitch invasion after the game. (Evening News)

Moyes praise for protégé Stubbs

DAVID Moyes was beaming with pride as he watched his former protégé Alan Stubbs etch his name into Hibs folklore by leading the club to Scottish Cup glory for the first time in 114 years.

“You have to praise the Hibs directors because nowadays people can be too quick to make decisions. They deserve credit for having the foresight to appoint him and also for not panicking when things weren’t going quite so well for Alan. They didn’t act in haste.” (Evening News)

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Rumour Mill: Wout Weghorst set to join Celtic | Brendan Rodgers unveiled | Barton '˜will sign for Rangers' | Trio leave Ibrox