Newcastle are ‘confident’ of bringing Steven Gerrard to St James’ Park, Celtic are upping their interest in Middlesbrough’s Paddy McNair and Leigh Griffiths has opened up about his time away from football.

Gerrard to Newcastle?

The Northern Echo are reporting that Newcastle United are confident of luring Steven Gerrard to the Premier League, despite Gerrard’s insistence that he’s going nowhere. Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley will finalise his shortlist in the next two days.

Griffiths opens up on battle with major depression

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has opened up for the first time on his struggle with his mental health, a struggle that saw him being deprived of doing the thing he loves most for the best part of seven months as he stepped away from football before he - in his own words - did himself ‘serious harm’. Griffiths said: “It was Brendan Rodgers who said I needed to get my mind right. So, I have to thank him for that because if I had kept playing I would have done myself serious harm.”

Rangers rule out move for Skrtel

Rangers have categorically ruled out a move for free agent Martin Skrtel after reports linked the Ibrox club with the 34-year-old, according to the Scottish Sun. The Sun reckon that Skrtel’s wage demands made any move an unrealistic prospect.

Celtic step up interest in McNair

After the collapse of David Turnbull’s proposed move to Parkhead, Neil Lennon has set his sights on acquiring the signature of Middlesbrough midfielder Paddy McNair for around £5 million. However, Lennon refused to rule out another move for Turnbull in the future. “Could we revisit it? Absolutely,” Lennon admitted. “But the club did everything we could to make it happen. But he’s a Motherwell player and we move on.”

Jullien arrives in Scotland

Toulouse defender Christopher Jullien has been pictured at Edinburgh Airport and is expected to sign for Celtic by lunchtime today. The Daily Record are reporting that the 26-year-old will join Neil Lennon’s side for around £7 million.

Katic ready to nail down starting spot

Rangers defender Nikola Katic - who was recently representing his country Croatia at the under-21 European Championships - says that he is ready to nail down a starting spot in Steven Gerrard’s side this campaign. Katic said: “I’ve come here to play for Rangers. I am not here to sit on the bench. I respect all players but I look at myself and I want to be in the manager’s first eleven.”

Rangers confirm Aribo signing

Joe Aribo has completed his move from Charlton to Rangers and has signed a four-year deal at Ibrox. Steven Gerrard said: “There were a lot of clubs in for Joe around Europe, in the Premier League and the Championship. There was a lot of interest in him but for me it’s just another top player joining Rangers.”

McInnes keen to make move for McGeouch

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is closely monitoring the situation of Sunderland midfielder Dylan McGeouch as he ponders a move for the 26-year-old, report the Daily Record. McGeouch has failed to impress at Sunderland and could be set to leave the Stadium of Light.

Goodwin set for St Mirren move

Alloa manager Jim Goodwin has agreed a deal to succeed Oran Kearney as manager of St Mirren. The Scottish Sun believe Goodwin will sign a three-year deal at the Paisley club later today.

Bryson frustrated by criticism of Scottish football

Aberdeen midfielder Craig Bryson has revealed that he became frustrated when playing for Derby when Scottish football was routinely rubbished by the English media. “I was always watching Scottish football when it was on Sky or BT. I used to get quite frustrated. People down south looked down on Scottish football. I don’t know what it is. I think it’s a better league than it’s made out to be,” said Bryson.