Rumour Mill: McCoist to Sunderland? | Celtic '˜can reach Europa final'

Couuld Ally McCoist link up with former Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain at Sunderland? Picture: Getty Images

McCoist a contender for Black Cats job

Ally McCoist has emerged as a surprise candidate for the Sunderland job, following Simon Grayson’s sacking earlier this week.

The ex-Rangers and Sunderland forward worked with chief executive Martin Bain at Ibrox and it is claimed he will be included in a list of candidates to replace Grayson. (Daily Mail)

Robben backs Hoops for Europa success

Arjen Robben believes the style of football Celtic play could take the Scottish champions all the way to the latter stages of the Europa League this season.

If Celtic finish third in their Champions League group they will qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Robben said: “Celtic have a great chance to progress, especially at Parkhead with that kind of crowd. I hope they can be successful and maybe get [to the final] again.” (The Scotsman)

Ambrose hopeful of World Cup call

Efe Ambrose hasn’t played international football for nearly two years, but the Hibs defender is hopeful his performances for Neil Lennon’s side can put him in contention for a place in Nigeria’s World Cup squad.

“Life was difficult not playing football. I had offers from other UK clubs but then Neil Lennon told me that coming to Hibs would help me resurrect my career,” Ambrose recalls.

“I have always loved to play for my country and that has not changed. I will keep working hard and hope my opportunity comes.” (Evening News)

Rodgers reiterates Boyata wish

Brendan Rodgers has reiterated his desire for Dedryck Boyata to extend his stay at Celtic in what could be seen as a show of support after the defender was partly at fault for Bayern’s opening goal on Tuesday night.

Rodgers told The Sun: “Dedryck would go into his final year next summer, but I’d love him to stay. His representatives have spoken to Peter Lawwell and I’ve also spoken to Dedryck.

“There is nothing yet on Dedryck’s contract, but I’d like him to extend it, very much so,” added Rodgers. (Scottish Sun)

Forest prepare Morgan bid

Nottingham Forest are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of £400,000 for St Mirren starlet Lewis Morgan.

The youngster has been watched by a host of clubs and has also been linked with Rangers, but with Morgan out of contract in the summer, the chance to have a crack at the English Championship could scupper the Gers’ chances. (Various)

Pardew ‘would be interested in Rangers job’

Alan Pardew’s former No 2 has said he would seriously consider the Rangers job.

Peter Grant, formerly of Celtic, told the BBC that he reckons the ex-Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss would be keen to hold talks with the Ibrox club.

“Absolutely, I think he would. Fantastic man. I’ve got great respect for him as a manager,” said Grant. (BBC)

Manchester United ‘favourites to sign Dembele’

Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase to sign Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, after a rumoured total of 17 scouts took in Celtic’s clash with Bayern Munich this week.

Although not a like-for-like replacement, jose Mourinho is said to be keen on bringing in Dembele for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will almost certainly depart Old Trafford in the summer.

United are also thought to be the frontrunners to sign Dembele’s Parkhead team-mate Kieran Tierney. (Daily Mirror)

Rousset leads Salvatori tributes

Gilles Rousset, friend and former team-mate of Hearts legend Stefano Salvatori, has led tributes to the Italian following his passing.

Rousset said: “I’m devastated. I knew Stefano was ill but it’s still a shock. He was only 49, it’s so soon. It’s such terrible news, I lost Stephane Paille a few months ago because of illness and now Stefano as well.

“I have so many great memories of Stefano. In the dressing-room, he was so popular. He was very happy in Edinburgh. Just a great player and a great guy. He will be remembered as a true Hearts player, a real Jambo.” (Evening News)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has rejected the chance to make his Scotland debut against Netherlands next week as the Lancaster-born 20-year-old is waiting to see if he is called up by England

• Gordan Petric has thrown his hat into the ring for the Dundee United job. The ex-Hearts and Rangers defender is keen to return to Tannadice despite currently managing Serbian side Rad

• Kevin Thomson has revealed that he turned down the chance to manage two Scottish clubs, one from League One, to set up his new youth academy

Rumour Mill: McCoist to Sunderland? | Celtic '˜can reach Europa final' | Hibs ace eyes World Cup call