Rumour Mill: Leeds chase Cummings | Hearts duo to sign

Hibs striker Jason Cummings has netted 14 goals so far this season. Picture: Gordon Fraser

Leeds United chase Hibs striker Jason Cummings

LEEDS United are considering a January move for in-form Hibs striker Jason Cummings.

The 20-year-old has netted 14 goals already this season and his proficiency in front of goal attracted the attention of Leeds boss Steve Evans.

Cummings still has 18 months left on his deal at Easter Road and the club will likely have to fend off a January bid for his services. (The Scottish Sun)

Hearts to tie up two players to new deals

HEARTS boss Robbie Neilson insists contract extensions have been agreed with fans’ favourites Igor Rossi and Arnaud Djoum.

Centre back Rossi joined in the summer and has arguably been the club’s most consistent performer over the course of the season, while Hearts are undefeated on league duty ever since Djoum was inserted into the Jambos’ midfield.

Neilson says both deals have been agreed and it’s just a case of getting everything signed. (Sunday Post)

Mark Warburton wants Petrofac cup final at Hampden

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton wants to sample his first taste of Scotland’s national stadium when Rangers square off against Peterhead in the final of the Petrofac Training Cup.

The Ibrox side set up the meeting with their north east opponents after rolling past St Mirren with a 4-0 victory.

Two seasons ago, when Rangers last reached the final of the same competition, the match between the club and Raith Rovers was played at Easter Road. (The Scottish Sun)

Legia Warsaw join forces with Celtic in Euro change bid

OLD enemies Legia Warsaw and Celtic are two clubs lobbying for reconstruction of Europe’s two football tournaments, according to the Polish club’s owner.

Dariusz Mioduski was very outspoken when his side were forced from the Champions League qualification rounds last season after Legia fielded an ineligible player in the dying minutes of their second leg tie with Celtic.

However, Mioduski reveals the clubs are working together as they try to rid the game of inequality at the elite level. Both sides feel it is unfair bigger teams are able to drop into the Europa League after elimination from the Champions League. (The Mail on Sunday)

John Collins: System not to blame for Celtic woes

CELTIC assistant manager John Collins defended the system implemented by the club’s coaching staff in the wake of last Thursday’s Europa League exit.

Celtic lost 2-1 to Ajax, meaning there is no chance of the Hoops reaching the knockout stages despite still having one game to play. But while some have questioned Ronny Deila’s methods, Collins insists it’s mistakes on the park that have cost the side most dear.

He said: “What do you call pragmatism? Have we been playing top European teams? If we set up 4-5-1 against Malmo, Fenerbahce, Ajax, Molde would guys and fans be happy if we sat in? We believed after watching, analysing and assessing our opponents that we could go and play them at football, toe to toe, and beat them.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Craig Gordon: Celtic are ‘too nice’ at times

THE ‘Ronny Roar’ may have been conspicuous by its absence of late but it is the lack of any ‘Celtic grrrr’ Craig Gordon maintains must be factored in to the meek failures of Ronny Deila’s side in Europe.

Celtic exited the Europa League after their third successive defeat and tenth game without a win in the competition. And the club’s No.1 believes his team-mates need to be more ruthless and street-wise when squaring off against European opposition.

He said: “We are probably a little bit too nice. We let the opposition play and there probably isn’t enough aggression. We didn’t give away a lot of fouls to break the play up. I think we need a bit more cynicism but there isn’t a lot of experience in the team and hopefully we can add that to our game.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Neilson disappointed but says Celtic still in sights

Despite having witnessed his side drop points in consecutive weeks against sides currently in the bottom six, Hearts manager Robbie Neilson refused to dismiss his side’s chances of putting pressure on Celtic at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Neilson will be keeping a keen eye on the league leaders’ trip to Inverness today as he looks to see whether Celtic will suffer any European hangover.

He said: “Ask me again at 3pm tomorrow, then we’ll see where they are,” said Neilson when quizzed about the league leaders. “You never know, it might turn out to be a good point.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Rumour Mill: Leeds chase Cummings | Hearts duo to sign | Warburton wants Hampden