Thursday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Former Rangers manager Walter Smith is set to be confirmed as the club's new chairman today after under-pressure Malcolm Murray indicated he was willing to step down.

Full story: The Herald

Vitoria Guimaraes striker Amido Balde believes he can be a good replacement for Gary Hooper should the Englishman leave Celtic and the Portuguese be sold to the Glasgow club.

Full story: Daily Record

Celtic have confirmed their interest in £2.5m-rated Vitoria Guimaraes striker Amido Balde and, according to his agent, are about to submit on offer for the 22-year-old.

Full story: The Herald

Aston Villa have made a £3.5m bid for Lech Poznan winger Aleksandar Tonev, but Celtic and German side Werder Bremen are also in negotiations for the 23-year-old Bulgaria international.

Full story: Daily Mail

Besiktas have accepted a £1m offer from Hull City for Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Full story: The Sun

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas is in the frame for the vacant managerial position at Millwall along with former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae, presently assistant at Blackpool, and former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

Full story: Daily Record

Striker John Baird is poised to continue in the Scottish Premier League after agreeing a move from relegated Dundee to promoted Partick Thistle.

Full story: The Courier

Gary Harkins is poised to quit Dundee, with St Mirren leading the race for the 28-year-old midfielder's signature.

Full story: Daily Express

Hibernian want to make midfielder Owain Tudur Jones, who is out of contract with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, their first summer signing.

Full story: Edinburgh Evening News

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray is lining up a £250,000 offer for Falkirk striker Lyle Taylor.

Full story: Gazette Live

Dundee United have beaten St Johnstone to the signature of 19-year-old Queen's Park left-back Andrew Robertson.

Full story: Daily Express

Queen of the South will pursue Rangers for £25,000 in compensation for the Ibrox club's signing of 21-year-old striker Nicky Clark.

Full story: The Sun

Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee is hopeful of persuading Celtic winger Kris Commons to reverse his decision to retire from international football.

Full story: Daily Record

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has banned toast and replaced it with porridge and cereal at their St Andrews training ground to encourage greater fitness.

Full story: The Sun

OTHER GOSSIP

Eilish McGolgan wants to book her place in the 3000m steeplechase at this summer's world championships but is eyeing three events - the others being the 1500m and 5000m at next year's Commonwealth Games.

Full story: The Herald