The latest news and gossip from around Scottish football.
Tavernier focused on Rangers despite link to Newcastle
James Tavernier has said he is fully focused at Rangers despite reported interest from Newcastle. He said talk of an £8m bid from Newcastle United was a "compliment" but said:
“It’s a compliment and that is how I see it. But all my emphasis is on Rangers.
“Things can happen in football but I’m looking forward to this season. It’s all speculation.
“If it stays like that then I don’t get upset about it." (The Herald)
Neil Lennon set to hold Kieran Tierney talks
Neil Lennon is set to hold talks with Kieran Tierney to ensure he hasn’t become unsettled by Arsenal’s failed attempts to sign him - and predicted uncertainty over the Celtic left back’s future will continue until the end of August. The Celtic manager said he wouldn’t be surprised if other clubs attempt to land the Scotland defender before the transfer window closes. (The Herald)
Aberdeen opponents make Euro tie free entry
Aberdeen's Europa League opponents Chikhura Sachkhere have made Thursday's first-leg tie, which has been moved to the capital Tbilisi, free entry to try to boost crowd numbers according to the Daily Record. Chikhura have a limited support any way and their home ground only holds 2,000 fans. (Daily Record)
Lennon confident Celtic can keep Simunovic
Neil Lennon has said he believes Celtic can keep Jozo Simunovic at the club. Christophe Galtier has publicly admitted he is an admirer of and has been tipped to table a £5m offer for in the coming days but Lennon said: “I don’t know if there’s been direct contact, but through agents and that you hear rumours and speculation.
“He’s a player I don’t want to lose because he has been fantastic for me since I came in and I thought he was superb last week.
"We have a year left on his contract and we have an option so we’re still in a very strong position on that.” (The Herald)
Lewis Morgan wants to fight for place at Celtic
Lewis Morgan has admitted he is determined to hold onto his place in the Celtic first team after starting his first match at Parkhead and has no intention of going out on loan again this season. He said: “I take every day as it comes, but I am not thinking about anything other than Celtic at the moment and making my mark here." (The Herald)
Ojo picked Aberdeen for footballing reasons says McInnes
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes says new signing Funso Ojo choose Pittodrie over Hibernian for "footballing reasons, not money." He said: “Funso joined us for football reasons, it wasn’t about money.
“There were two clubs who were really keen on him and the boy made the right decision to speak to both clubs.
“Once we spoke to him and spent a few hours with him on Friday he asked for a couple of hours to consider both options. (Various)
St Mirren keen on striker
St Mirren are trying to sign former Dundee United striker Pavol Safranko on loan from Danish side Aalborg. (Various)
Hibs hope to sign Omenga
Hibs' hopes of re-signing midfielder Stephane Omeonga, who spent part of last season on loan from Genoa, have been dashed after the 23-year-old agreed to join Belgian side Cercle Brugge. (Herald)
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