Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Dutchman Mitchell van der Gaag, 43, is the new favourite for the vacant Motherwell manager's job and the former Fir Park player could be in the dugout for Saturday's meeting with Ross County. (Daily Record)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila criticised his defence following the 4-3 Europa League Group D defeat by Dinamo Zagreb and bemoaned "a lack of intensity and aggression". (Daily Express)

However, Norwegian Deila insists bolstering his back four is not a priority in next month's transfer window. (The Scotsman)

Meanwhile, Kris Commons says Celtic's contract renewal offer is "not one that I want to sign" amid growing speculation about the forward's future. (The Sun)

Commons scored against Dinamo Zagreb but could be leaving Celtic next year

And Commons is poised to leave the club if Celtic do not offer more than the one-year extension they have tabled, with the 31-year-old out of contract in the summer. (Daily Express)

Another player nearing the exit door at Celtic is Beram Kayal, with the Israel midfielder planning to leave in the summer after the club refused to release him for free in January. (The Herald)

Lewis Macleod may have played his last game for Rangers with manager Ally McCoist admitting he expects further interest in the midfielder, who is currently injured, when the transfer window re-opens. (The Herald)

And McCoist has urged Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson to stop complaining after the Tangerines were ordered by tribunal to pay around £200,000 for former Ibrox youngster Charlie Telfer. (The Sun - subscription required)

Telfer moved to United in the summer

A Rangers supporters group has launched an alternative home strip in an attempt to raise money to buy further shares in the club. (The Scotsman)

Hearts would be losing money each month were it not for funds provided by the Foundation of Hearts fans group. (The Scotsman)

Manager Alan Stubbs believes Hibernian will be the envy of the rest of Scotland if Sir Tom Farmer secures a deal to wipe out the club's debt. (The Herald)

Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Hughes feels a sense of vindication after leading the Highlanders to second in the table despite being installed as the bookmakers' favourite for the sack earlier this year. (The Sun)

Hughes has been in charge of Inverness for just over a year

Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed how he could not go out for a meal or watch his children play football as he battled ulcerative colitis. (Daily Mail)

Steven Naismith, the Scotland forward, is expected to sign a new four-year contract on improved terms with Everton. (The Sun)

Costa Rica could face Scotland in a friendly next year after the Central American country's football association claimed to be having talks with their Scottish counterparts. (The Herald)

Scotland women's goalkeeper and captain Gemma Fay is the latest player to leave Celtic, following the departures of Chloe Arthur and Heather Richards, who have joined Hibernian Ladies. (The Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Full-back Stuart Hogg believes Saturday's crucial European Rugby Cup match against Toulouse is the "biggest" in Glasgow Warriors' history. (The Scotsman)