Rumour Mill: Celtic target '˜not for sale' | Uefa '˜won't probe Rangers'

Millwall have insisted Lee Gregory is not for sale despite reported interest from Celtic. Picture: Getty Images

Gregory ‘not for sale’

MILLWALL striker Lee Gregory is not for sale, according to Lions boss Neil Harris.

The 27-year-old has been linked with Celtic, but Harris insisted: “There has been no contact from anybody. Lee is not for sale. He is under contract for another 12 months and the club have an option to extend the contract.”

Brighton, SPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull have also been keeping tabs on the striker, who netted 27 goals in 53 matches last season. (South London Today)

Simunovic ‘won’t be rushed back’

CELTIC won’t risk rushing Jozo Simunovic back to action before he’s ready, first team coach John Kennedy has insisted.

The Croatian defender hasn’t played for Celtic since the end of January due to a niggling knee injury, and Celtic face being without Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata for their Champions League qualifier in mid-July.

But Kennedy added: “If we have to give him a few more weeks then we’ll do it. We don’t want to set him back for longer again as he’s had a tough enough time of it. We have a big squad to deal with it so it’s not a problem.” (Evening Times)

Uefa ‘won’t probe Rangers European licence’

UEFA has said Rangers won’t be investigated over allegations the Ibrox club were wrongly awarded a licence to play European football during the 2011/12 season.

Claims that Rangers shouldn’t have been granted permission to play over the ‘Wee Tax Case’ have effectively been thrown out by European football’s governing body - partly because of Rangers entering liquidation.

A Uefa spokesperson told STV: “As a consequence of decisions taken against Rangers FC in 2012 as well as the administration of the club and the events and measures that followed, there is no need for UEFA to investigate this matter any further since the club was not granted a licence to participate in the 2012/13 UEFA club competitions, the club entered the fourth tier of Scottish football and it was not able to play in UEFA competitions for the next three years in any event.” (STV Sport)

Hibs hopeful over Cummings future

HIBERNIAN are hopeful Jason Cummings may decide to stay at Easter Road, after holding talks with Neil Lennon in Paris.

Cummings had looked set for an exit after Hibs failed to gain promotion to the Scottish Premiership but after meeting the new Easter Road boss in France, sources close to Cummings have suggested he could perform a U-turn.

The source added: “With a year left on his current deal and with Hibs still in Scotland’s second tier, [Jason] felt it might be worth looking at other options.

“But he was so impressed by Neil and what he had to say in Paris. He’s a manager Jason feels he’d really enjoy playing for.” (Daily Record)

Gers step up Nelson chase

RANGERS have stepped up their interest in Plymouth Argyle defender Curtis Nelson, despite pursuing free agent Adrian Mariappa as well.

The Gers have already brought in Clint Hill and are keen to add to their defensive options, with Nelson being viewed as a possible future star. (Daily Express)

Celtic favourites to sign Fletcher

CELTIC have been installed as odds-on favourites to snap up former Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, after the Scotland forward was released by the Black Cats.

Fletcher has long been linked with Celtic and it is thought wage demands scuppered any hopes of a deal in the past.

But the former Hibernian ace could return north of the Border if Brendan Rodgers steps up his chase. (Various)

Rangers agree Accrington compensation for duo

MATT Crooks and Josh Windass are finally able to train with the rest of the Rangers squad after the Ibrox club agreed a compensation package with Accrington Stanley.

The pair had already travelled up to Glasgow to begin life north of the border, but were prohibited from appearing for their new side by Accrington chiefs.

Since both players are under 23, Accrington were due compensation. But when Rangers weren’t forthcoming with the cash, Stanly banned the pair from playing until their contracts expired on June 30.

Rangers insisted it as the fault of Accrington by failing to provide them with the ‘necessary detail’ but the clubs have now agreed a compensation package. (The Scotsman)

Fontaine eager for Euro tie

Liam Fontaine today predicted a “special night” at Easter Road when Hibs kick off life under new boss Neil Lennon with what will be a first taste of European football for the majority of the Easter Road squad.

The first leg of the tie against either Valur Reykjavik or Brondby on July 14 will also be the first time Fontaine and his team-mates will line up together at home since their historic Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers.

Fontaine said: “The fans are still on a high, it will be the new gaffer’s first game, the players who won the cup back together again, European football – it’s a game everyone will relish. It promises to be a special night for us all.” (Evening News)

Rangers ‘won’t sell replica kits’

RANGERS fans will not get the chance to buy the replica kit worn by their Ibrox favourites this season - because of the long-running feud between the Rangers board and Mike Ashley.

The ongoing battle took a new twist a month ago when Dave King served notice terminating the deals thrashed out during Charles Green’s tenure.

And despite King’s efforts to renegotiate the deals, no agreement has been reached, so fans look likely to miss out on replica jerseys and merchandise. (Evening Times)

Dons to send Rogers out on loan again

ABERDEEN are to send goalkeeper Danny Rogers out on loan again, after the 22-year-old’s helped Falkirk to second in the Championship and the play-off final.

The Dons have brought in Neil Alexander and Joe Lewis, and sent Australia U23 goalie Aaron Lennox to Raith Rovers for the upcoming season.

And boss Derek McInnes said: “The decision was made to bring in someone with more experience while at the same time we can allow Danny to keep developing.” (Evening Express)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Celtic are holding talks with Charlie Mulgrew over a new deal at Parkhead

• Lee Wallace has signed a contract extension at Rangers, keeping him at Ibrox until 2019

• Dundee boss Paul Hartley believes new signing James Vincent will add goals

Rumour Mill: Celtic target '˜not for sale' | Uefa '˜won't probe Rangers' | Cummings to decide Hibs future