Rumour Mill: Rangers eye Pardew | Barton slams Celtic fans

Alan Pardew has emerged as a shock contender for the Rangers job. Picture: Getty Images

Pardew for Ibrox?

Alan Pardew has emerged as a shock candidate for the Rangers managerial vacancy. The former Newcastle United boss has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace last December and turned down an ofer from Dynamo Kiev.

It is believed there has been ‘tentative contact’ between Pardew’s people and the Ibrox club following Pedro Caixinha’s sacking last week, although it is understood Derek McInnes is still the preferred option. (Daily Mail)

Preud’homme not in the running

Former Standard Liege boss Michel Preud’homme is unlikely to be in the running to succeeded Caixinha, with the Belgian wanting a quick answer from Rangers.

Dave King has indicated his preference for the Gers to take time to appoint the right man, and so Preud’homme could take up an offer from homeland side Mechelen. (Various)

Could this sum be enough to land McInnes?

Aberdeen are reportedly ready to let Rangers hold talks with Derek McInnes - if the Ibrox side stump up £1.5 million in compensation for the former Gers midfielder.

McInnes has led the Dons to three consecutive second-place finishes in the Scottish Premiership and is believed to be the Ibrox club’s number one target.

McInnes’ contract ties him to Pittodrie until 2020, with increased compensation due for Aberdeen if a club want to appoint McInnes. Rangers are understood to be prepared to pay the price in order to get their man. (The Herald)

Barton hits out at Celtic fans

Former Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has branded Celtic fans ‘obsessed’ as he told them on Twitter: “Leave me alone.”

Barely ten minutes after suggesting he hadn’t heard of Hoops skipper Scott Brown, Barton addressed Celtic fans on the social networking site.

He said: “Just going on record to say Celtic fans are obsessed with me on here. Leave me alone. I don’t care about you or your club. Go away.” (Various)

Cummings set for Scotland call-up

Nottingham Forest striker Jason Cummings could be set for a Scotland call-up amid reports interim boss Malky Mackay is keen to bring in some new faces to the national team set-up.

Cummings, who joined Forest from Hibs in the summer, has scored four goals for Mark Warburton’s side in all competitions, and was a regular face in the Scotland Under-21 squad.

Mackay is also set to hand call-ups to Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, Cardiff City’s former Hearts full back Callum Paterson and Scott Brown. The squad is confirmed today. (STV)

Mowbray eyes Hibs ace

Blackburn Rovers have been linked with a January move for Hibs defender Paul Hanlon, according to reports.

Hanlon, who has spent his entire career at Hibs bar a brief loan spell with St Johnstone, has been in fine form this season with Ewood Park scouts sending glowing reports back to former Hibs boss Tony Mowbray.

But Neil Lennon will be keen to hang on to the 27-year-old, who has been the target of transfer speculation in the past. (Daily Record)

Moyes for Burnley if Dyche joins Everton

Scotland candidate David Moyes could be set for a return to working in the north west, three years after being sacked by Manchester United.

Moyes is believed the be the favourite to succeed Sean Dyche, if the Burnley boss is lured to Everton.

Moyes lives locally to Turf Moor and it’s no secret he’d prefer a return to club management rather than a spell on the international scene. (The Sun)

Steer clear of Yogi, warns McDermid

Former Raith Rovers director and author Val McDermid has warned Dundee United to steer clear of John Hughes, branding Yogi’s man-management skills as ‘incredibly destructive.’

The Raith fan, who still sponsors the club, said on Twitter: “Heaven help you if you get Yogi. Continually slagging off the players in the media was incredibly destructive. No ability to create team spirit and positive attitude.”

Hughes has been linked with the vacant managerial post at Tannadice following the departure of Ray McKinnon. (Scottish Sun)

‘Give McGinn more protection’

Hibs boss Neil Lennon has suggested referees need to give his midfielder John McGinn more protection during games.

Lennon said: “John was fouled incessantly [against Motherwell], breaking up the flow of the game. How many times has he to be fouled before the yellow card comes out?

“I am not begging for players to be sent off, but they are taking him out. Every time we looked to break he was getting fouled. I’m not going to berate referees, but there was a lot going on he could have stamped out.” (Evening News)

• Celtic’s historic day clouded by unease in draw with Kilmarnock

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Ryan Christie has revealed the reason he joined Aberdeen is because of the influence of Derek McInnes, and admitted he’d be disappointed if the Pittodrie boss joined Rangers

• Craig Levein has lamented the injury to Jamie Walker which will likely keep the midfielder out of Hearts’ next two matches

Rumour Mill: Rangers eye Pardew | Barton slams Celtic fans | Cummings for Scotland