Rumour Mill: Rangers face fight for Championship star | Dedryck Boyata latest | Hearts eye Kyle Lafferty replacement

Rangers face battle to land English Championship defender, the latest on Dedryck Boyata plus Hearts speed up efforts to replace Kyle Lafferty.

Gers face battle for defender

Rangers are understood to be keen on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, but face competition from Aston Villa, Stoke and West Brom.

The England Under-21 international is wanted by the Ibrox side to bolster their defensive options, and Forest are understood to be open to a loan move for the towering defender who captained England to victory in last year’s Toulon Tournament. (Various)

Nottingham Forest fans could see Joe Worrall leave on loan. Picture: Getty imagesNottingham Forest fans could see Joe Worrall leave on loan. Picture: Getty images
Nottingham Forest fans could see Joe Worrall leave on loan. Picture: Getty images

Boyata misses Suduva clash

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Celtic will be without Dedryck Boyata for the first leg of their Europa League play-off against Suduva tonight but manager Brendan Rodgers stressed that there is a medical issue with the Belgium international.

The 27-year-old defender was sent to train with the under-20s after claiming an injury led to him missing the Champions League qualifying defeat at AEK Athens last Tuesday while Rodgers claimed he was fit.

Boyata returned to training with his team-mates this week but missed the trip to Lithuania along with fellow defender Jack Hendry and French striker Odsonne Edouard. (The Scotsman)

Hearts ramp up Vanecek efforts

Hearts will accelerate their attempts to bring David Vanecek to Edinburgh after selling Kyle Lafferty to Rangers.

The Czech striker has signed a pre-contract for a January move to Tynecastle Park and his club, FK Teplice, will allow him to leave this month – but only if they sign a replacement first. (Evening News)

Hoops end McKenna interest

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic have ended their interest in Scott McKenna after having initial approaches for the Aberdeen defender rebuffed by the Pittodrie club.

The Parkhead side are on the lookout for a new centre-back and were keen on McKenna. But after being given no encouragement by the Dons Celtic boss Rodgers will look elsewhere. (The Scotsman)

Bogdan back for Hibees

Adam Bogdan is set to return to the Hibs side for Saturday’s Easter Road showdown with Aberdeen. The Hungarian goalkeeper has missed three of his team’s last four matches since experiencing pain in his hip during the Premiership opener against Motherwell earlier this month. Bogdan sat out the home leg of the Europa League qualifier against Molde and the subsequent Premiership match at St Johnstone before returning to the side for the 3-0 defeat away to the Norwegians last Thursday. Ross Laidlaw had to deputise for the on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper once again in Sunday’s Betfred Cup win over Ross County, but Bogdan is fit to face the Dons this weekend. (Evening News)

Arbroath eye Hibs midfielder

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arbroath boss Dick Campbell is keen to take Hibs midfielder Scott Martin on loan for a third time, but accepts that he may be disappointed with Martin in and around the first team so far this season.

Martin started in the 3-2 win over Ross County last weekend but was subbed at half time. (The Sun)