FORMER Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray has announced his imminent retirement from tennis due to an ongoing hip injury. During an emotional press conference, Murray said that he wanted to bow out at Wimbledon this year but was unsure if he'd be fit for the tournament. Murray said: "I'm in a better place than I was six months ago but I'm still in a lot of pain. I can still play to a level, but not a level I have played at. The pain is too much, I need to think about my quality of life."

The tributes have been pouring in for the 31-year-old, with former opponents Andy Roddick and Juan Martin del Potro both offering messages of support for the Scot.

Rangers Director of Football Mark Allen has defended Alfredo Morelos, saying that the striker needs more protection on the pitch. "We rate him very highly but sometimes he gets bad publicity through no fault of his own and people jump on that bandwagon," Allen said.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he expects fringe players such as Lewis Morgan and Jack Hendry to be loaned out this month. Rodgers said: "There is an interest in a number of our players. Some of these boys we will be looking to get them out on loan to get them games."

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis says that he always thought he might move back to Ibrox, and says that he's up for the challenge of winning some silverware. Davis said: "You never really know how football is going to work out, but it was in mind for sure, that I might get the opportunity to one day come back."

And Davis says that his new manager Steven Gerrard will be able to get the best out of him. "He’s an icon of the game and someone I always looked up to," said Davis. "He was one of the best midfielders around and I am sure I can learn a lot from him."

James Forrest has praised his captain Scott Brown and says that he wants the 33-year-old to remain at the club beyond the summer. "Right since I came through he has always been the same and even now he could well be the fittest he has ever been," said Forrest. "It’s incredible how long he has done it and he still has a few years left in him."

Scottish football pundit Chris Sutton has said that if pictures that show referee John Beaton in a pub in the immediate aftermath of last month's Old Firm are genuine, then the whistler is guilty of "sheer stupidity". Sutton said: "That is just sheer stupidity but I will say that the stuff and the threats which have happened are ridiculous but he hasn’t helped himself there."

Hibernian defender Darren McGregor says that he will help his injured team-mate Martin Boyle through the 'mental warfare' of his injury. The 33-year old, who has had two cruciate ligament injuries of his own, said: "There are a few guys in the team that have had bad injuries, myself included, so if he ever needs anything whether it is a chat, a physical issue or mental support, we’ll be there for him."

And in running, Jamie Williamson is eyeing cross country success in Stirling after his Tilburg slip-up.

The Daily Record are reporting that Celtic are interested in signing Norwegian right-back Omar Elabdellaoui in a £4 million deal.

English Championship side Leeds United are keeping tabs on Kilmarnock striker Eamonn Brophy, according to the Scottish Sun.

Aberdeen are keen to keep a hold of Gary Mackay-Steven despite interest in the winger from New York City, report the Press and Journal.

And the Scotsman think that a Dundee merger could be on the horizon as the club's American owners raise their stake in the club.