Rodgers refuses to rule out Thy move

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers kept his cards close to his chest but refused to rule out a move for German striker Lennart Thy.

The Werder Bremen forward is currently on loan at VVV Venlo in the Netherlands, but has been linked with the Hoops. Rodgers confirmed he was already making plans for summer recruitment.

Lennart Thy's contract with Werder Bremen expires this summer. Picture: Getty Images

“If there was (interest in Lennart Thy) I still wouldn’t tell you. There is always speculation and that one, probably, is one of many.” (Daily Record)

Windass a doubt for semi-final

Rangers boss Graeme Murty has said Josh Windass could miss next weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Windass was clattered into by Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre last weekend and has not trained since.

He wwll miss the visit of Dundee but Murty has revealed the 17-goal midfielder is also a doubt for next weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final clash with the Hoops. (The Scotsman)

Lafferty wins simulation booking appeal

Hearts have successfully appealed the booking Kyle Lafferty received for simulation in Sunday’s draw with Dundee.

The Northern Irish striker was contentiously cautioned by referee Kevin Clancy in the first half of the match at Dens Park after going to ground under a challenge from Steven Caulker.

A fast-track tribunal was heard at Hampden today and the yellow card has been rescinded. (Evening News)

Griffiths: Irish flag celebration wasn’t intentional

Leigh Griffiths has spoken for the first time about his post-match celebrations among the Celtic support at Ibrox last month.

The 27-year-old, who missed the game through injury, waved an Irish tricolour at the end of Celtic’s 3-2 victory over Rangers.

“Maybe I got a wee bit carried away,” he said. “But after a game like that, you want to celebrate with the fans. Some guy handed the flag to me. It was just one of those things, it wasn’t intentional.” (The Scotsman)

Hearts want McGregor

Hearts are keen to bring Allan McGregor to Tynecastle, with the Hull goalkeeper’s contract up in the summer.

The Jambos were chasing the Scotland international’s signature last summer but he opted to stay at Hull, with Jon McLaughlin being brought in. But the current Hearts No 1 is attracting interest from south of the Border.

And with Hearts unable to match McLaughlin’s offers, Craig Levein could look to convince McGregor that his future is at Tynecastle rather than the KCOM Stadium. (Scottish Sun)

We want Dembele, not Balotelli say Marseille fans

Marseille fans have told the club’s hierarchy they would rather see Moussa Dembele than Mario Balotelli at the Stade Velodrome.

Long linked with the France Under-21 striker, Marseille didn’t make a move last summer after Brendan Rodgers said Celtic wouldn’t sell the player.

But Marseille boss Rudi Garcia could return for the former PSG and Fulham youngster this summer - with the support backing such a move. (France Football)

Gunn set to focus on England

Manchester City goalkeeper Angus Gunn looks set to snub Scotland’s approach and focus on earning an England call-up.

It was revealed last month that Alex McLeish was keen to hold talks with the son of Bryan Gunn with a view to convincing him to pledge allegiance to Scotland.

While not giving a firm answer, Gunn said: “Joe Hart, Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford are good keepers — England fans have nothing to worry about. Maybe in 2020 I will be in and around the squad.” (Scottish Sun)

Levein confirms Cochrane talks

Craig Levein has revealed that teenage midfielder Harry Cochrane is set to sign a new contract with Hearts.

The highly-regarded 16-year-old, who has made 19 appearances since making his debut six months ago, currently has a deal until 2020, but that is set to be extended to 2021 on improved terms.

“We’re re-negotiating a contract with Harry which will hopefully be done soon,” said Levein. “He has had an amazing start to his football career but that’s all it is, just a start.” (Evening News)

Griff keen on decade at Celtic

Leigh Griffiths has revealed negotiations have begun on a new contract with Celtic which he hopes could see him go on to earn a testimonial at the club.

The striker’s current deal at the Scottish champions runs until the summer of 2021 but he is already seeking an extension which would take him close to a decade of service.

Griffiths, who has scored 97 goals in 177 games for Celtic since January 2014, hopes to emulate Scott Brown, who will have a testimonial match at the end of the season to mark his ten years at Parkhead. (The Scotsman)

Adao out of Dons visit

Hearts will be without key midfielder Joaquim Adao for tomorrow’s meeting with Aberdeen at Tynecastle.

The Angolan, who has made a positive impression since arriving from Swiss side Sion in January, was forced off in the second half of last Sunday’s draw with Dundee after taking a head knock and he hasn’t recovered in time.

Manager Craig Levein is also braced for the possibility of being without Michael Smith with a back problem. (Evening News)

Maclaren open to Hibs stay

Jamie Maclaren has joined strike partner Flo Kamberi in admitting he would be keen to make his move to Hibs permanent, but the Australian striker admits that the final decision will be up to parent club SV Darmstadt.

“Edinburgh’s a place where I’m comfortable. It’s a massive club with a fantastic fanbase in a beautiful city. Right now Hibs is the main team in Edinburgh so there’s no reason why I wouldn’t want to stay.

“Ultimately it’s not really my decision as we speak right now. [Staying] could be an option, but it’s probably not even mine or Hibs’ decision – ultimately it’s my German club’s decision.” (Evening News)

Ipswich eye Ross

Ipswich Town could attempt to lure Jack Ross to the Championship, with current manager Mick McCarthy due to depart in the summer.

Buddies boss Ross rejected Dundee last summer, and was also linked with Barnsley earlier this season.

Alan Pardew and Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley are also in with a shout while Ipswich legend and former Hibs striker Shefki Kuqi has reportedly applied for the vacancy. (Scottish Sun)

Rumour Mill: Celtic striker bid | Windass doubt for Old Firm cup tie | Lafferty wins appeal