Thursday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Kieran Prior, a 34-year-old Goldman Sachs trader, Manchester United fan from an Irish Catholic background and with one of the highest IQ levels in the world, claims to be on the brink of buying a stake in Rangers.

Full story: Daily Record

Celtic have rejected a bid of around £4.5m from Hull City for striker Gary Hooper.

Full story: Daily Express

Celtic have completed the £2m signing of striker Amido Balde from Vitoria Guimaraes.

Full story: The Sun

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott will target Anthony Stokes if he fails to secure the Celtic striker's fellow Irishman, Kevin Doyle, from Wolves.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Celtic are prepared to allow Lassad Nouioui to return to Spanish second-tier outfit Deportivo La Caruna after the Tunisia forward failed to shine during the first year of his two-year contract in Glasgow.

Full story: Daily Record

Kilmarnock Supporters' Association, angry at the departure of manager Kenny Shiels, could call on fans to boycott season tickets in a bid to oust chairman Michael Johnston.

Full story: The Sun

Former Liverpool, Benfica and Tenerife assistant manager, Pako Ayestaran, has applied for the vacant manager's job at Kilmarnock.

Full story: Daily Express

Former Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo wants to be considered as Kenny Shiels' successor as Kilmarnock manager.

Full story: Daily Record

Former Bolton Wanderers, Falkirk and St Johnstone manager Owen Coyle is the new front runner to be appointed Wigan Athletic manager, heading a list that includes Steve McClaren, former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen and MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, after first choice Gus Poyet was ruled out because it would require a compensation payment to take the Uruguayan from Brighton.

Full story: The Independent

Wigan Athletic see Owen Coyle and Steve McClaren as the top two candidates to succeed Roberto Martinez as manager, but the former England manager is thought to have the edge as the club approach a Thursday announcement.

Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Kyle Coetzer made the highest score ever by a Scot in first-class cricket when he hit 219 as Northants piled on the runs in a county championship match against Leicestershire.

Full story: The Herald