Sunday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic hope to sign James McClean but will turn their attention to Porto's Christian Atsu if a move for the Sunderland winger proves unsuccessful.

Full story: Sunday Express

However, Celtic have denied making bids for McClean and Atsu.

Full story: Scotland on Sunday

Motherwell and St Johnstone face the prospect of making a loss in their upcoming Europa League qualifying ties due to the cost of travelling.

Full story: Sunday Mail

Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon has denied reports he has been told he must beat Hearts in the first Edinburgh derby of the season in order to keep his job.

Full story: Scotland on Sunday

Anthony Stokes believes it is too much of a burden to expect him or any other Celtic forward to fill the void left by Gary Hooper.

Full story: Sunday Mail

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Neil Lennon insists he will not break the club's wage structure to replace Hooper.

Full story: Edinburgh Evening News

Aston Villa have accepted a bid from Blackburn Rovers for Scotland midfielder Barry Bannan. The 23-year-old has been training away from Villa's senior squad after falling out of favour with boss Paul Lambert.

Full story: Birmingham Mail

Hearts midfielder Callum Tapping could be a doubt for the start of the season after being stretchered off with a knee injury during Saturday's friendly defeat by a Liverpool XI.

Full story: Sunday Herald

Mohamed Bangura feels there is "so much pressure" on him as he prepares to possible play for Elfsborg against parent club Celtic in the Champions League qualifiers, with the Swedish side determined to field the loan striker and the Scottish outfit keen for him to sit the tie out.

Full story: The Sun

OTHER GOSSIP

Scottish 400m hurdler Eilidh Child will travel to Spain this week for final preparations ahead of next month's World Championships in Moscow after a strong performance in the flat 400m at the Anniversary Games in London, where she finished eighth.

Full story: Sunday Herald