Rumour Mill: Southampton want Celtic ace | Cardiff & Forest eye McKay

Southampton are reportedly keen on signing Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong. Picture: Getty Images

Saints want Armstrong

Saouthampton have been linked with another raid on Celtic, this time for highly-rated midfielder Stuart Armstrong.

But the Saints would have to cough up £10 million for the 25-year-old Scotland international.

And if Celtic were to sell the former Dundee United ace, it would be after the Champions League qualifiers are over. (Various)

Forest face fight for McKay

Nottingham Forest face a fight to land Rangers winger Barrie McKay, with Championship rivals Cardiff also interested in the 22-year-old.

McKay has fallen out of favour at Rangers and Mark Warburton is reportedly keen on bringing the winger to the City Ground.

The winger is now in the final year of his contract with Rangers and Forest - or Cardiff - would likely have to pay around £750,000 to secure his services. (Various)

Whittaker close to Hibs return

Steven Whittaker is reportedly close to returning to Hibernian, with the Easter Road side in advanced talks over a deal for the former Norwich and Rangers man.

Neil Lennon is keen to make additions to his squad after Jason Cummings was sold to Nottingham Forest and defender Jordon Forster joined Cheltenham Town.

Cambridge midfielder Luke Berry was given a tour of East Mains yesterday ahead of an expected £250,000 switch, while Hibs have stepped up their interest in Anthony Stokes as they prepare for their return to the top flight. (Scottish Sun)

Has Rodgers hinted at Dembele exit?

Brendan Rodgers has told the Evening Standard that Moussa Dembele is ‘not a player [Celtic] want to sell’ but added: “We know how football works and we’ll see what happens.”

The Celtic manager also said, somewhat cryptically: “There certainly won’t be anything done before the Champions League qualifiers.”

Dembele has been linked with a host of clubs including AC Milan, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Everton. (Evening Standard)

Dorrans nears Rangers move

Graham Dorrans is a step closer to joining Rangers after a fee was reportedly agreed between the Ibrox club and Norwich City.

Pedro Caixinha made the Scotland international a priority signing and a bid of £1.5 million was accepted at the weekend despite late interest from Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.

And the Rangers boss is now waiting for the go-ahead from the Canaries to open talks with the 30-year-old, while the Gers are still hopeful of luring Hearts star Jamie Walker to Ibrox. (Scottish Sun)

Sammon heading for Tynecastle exit

Hearts striker Conor Sammon concedes the high-profile capture of Kyle Lafferty has ushered him closer to the Tynecastle exit door.

The 30-year-old was one of the Jambos’ marquee signings last summer under former head coach Robbie Neilson and signed a three-year deal following his release by Derby.

But he struggled for form and scored just one goal in 19 appearances, and was sent on loan to former club Kilmarnock - and Sammon admitted that he think there is a ‘good chance’ he’ll have to look elsewhere for game time. (The Scotsman)

Brown set for Celtic testimonial

Celtic are to reward their captain Scott Brown with a testimonial, the club has announced.

After being approached by a testimonial committee with a request to stage a match at Celtic Park to mark Brown’s contribution, the Scottish champions have agreed, acknowledging his “excellent  service to the club over the past ten years”.

In addition to a match, the Scotland skipper’s testimonial year will feature other events including a dinner and a golf day. Celtic say there will also be a charitable element to the fundraising. (The Scotsman)

Steelmen seek to hold onto Moult

Motherwell are hopeful that star striker Louis Moult will stay at Fir Park after the club offered him a new deal.

Moult has 12 months left on his existing contract, and has been linked with a move away after his form for ‘Well last season.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “We can’t pay what other teams can pay, we know that - but Louis is loved here. We put an offer to Louis - it’s up to him whether he takes it or not. If he does, it would be a big, big boost.” (BBC)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Graeme Shinnie believes ‘wise’ Shaun Maloney will boost Aberdeen, as it’s revealed manager Derek McInnes is looking for ‘three or four’ more signings

• St Johnstone no. 2 Callum Davidson thinks Scottish football needs to try ‘something different’ to help its teams compete in Europe

• Everton may have pulled out of the race to sign Moussa Dembele, as the Toffees appear to be chasing one-time Celtic target Henry Onyekuru

Rumour Mill: Southampton want Celtic ace | Cardiff & Forest eye McKay | Hibs near Whittaker deal