Tales from the tabs: Saudis want Martin O'Neill

MARTIN O'Neill revealed recently that he is ready to return to management after a long break, and the Daily Mirror revealed yesterday that "super rich Saudi club Al Hilal have held secret talks" with the former Celtic boss.

The paper said: "Out-of-work O'Neill turned down the chance to go to the Riyadh-based side last season because he was fighting a compensation claim with Aston Villa.

"The Irishman was approached after finalising that pay-off case and spoke with Al Hilal's hierarchy in London about the move."

The Mirror added that O'Neill must come to a decision on his future pretty sharpish. "Al Hilal want O'Neil to commit in the next few weeks," it explained "as they need his permission to sign players for next season, which starts in September."

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, reported that Rangers will this week step up their interest in Israeli striker Tomer Hemed. Ally McCoist is understood to be keen on the Maccabi Haifa player, who is available on a free transfer. The paper added that Ian Durrant is expected to travel to Riga this weekend to run the rule over Hemed in Israel's Euro 2012 qualifying match agsinst Latvia. Scout John Brown has already watched the 24-year-old, who scored 17 goals for Maccabi last season.