Saturday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Mike Ashley is on the brink of winning the battle for control of Rangers, with key shareholder Sandy Easdale preferring the Newcastle owner's offer of an emergency loan. (Sun)

Former Rangers skipper Richard Gough says it is "unbelievable" that Mike Ashley would not even take a phone call from Dave King, the former director also offering a funding package. (Sun)

Defender Virgil Van Dijk says he is focused on Celtic but describes Arsenal as "an amazing club", with the Gunners lining up an £8m January bid. (Sun)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila insists he has no problem with criticism from pundits, saying he was once "a big mouth" himself. (Various)

Rangers boss Ally McCoist fully expects his players and staff to be paid next month, amid fears of the money running out at Ibrox. (Various)

Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace has gone off on a family holiday as Mike Ashley, Dave King and Brian Kennedy all vie for influence at Ibrox. (Daily Record)

Midfielder Sammy Clingan fears the high-profile bonus row at Kilmarnock has taken the shine of the club's excellent start to the season. (Various)

Hibernian intend to welcome two supporters on to the club's board within the next three months. (Various)

Rangers midfielder Fraser Aird is a soap opera fan

Hibernian midfielder Danny Handling wants to silence Prince Buaben in Sunday's Edinburgh derby, with the Hearts man jokingly referring to the Easter Road club as "the chasers" in the race for Championship promotion. (Various)

And Rangers midfielder Fraser Aird joined in the Championship ribbing, saying he would rather watch Coronation Street than Hearts. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

New Scotland captain Grant Gilchrist was taken to hospital last night with a suspected wrist injury sustained in Edinburgh's 25-17 Challenge Cup win over Lyon. (Herald)

Scotland's Peter Whiteford leads at the halfway stage of the Perth International in Australia and must finish in the top two to retain his European Tour card. (Various)