Tuesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

American financier Robert Sarver has hit out at the Rangers board after ending his interest in taking over the Ibrox club.

The 53-year-old, who had two offers for Rangers turned down, says his first bid included the condition that no players were to be sold, but the day after he submitted it, Lewis Macleod switched to Brentford for £1m. (Various)

Stuart McCall, who managed Nicky Law at Motherwell, reckons the midfielder can become a fans' favourite at Rangers if he finds some consistency. (Daily Express)

Valencia assistant manager Ian Cathro, who has been linked with the Rangers manager's job, has been handed a new contract by the Spanish giants. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila is ready to offload fringe players such as Teemu Pukki, Amido Balde, Beram Kayal and Derk Boerrigter to streamline his squad and free up cash to bring in new faces. (Daily Record)

Celtic's Mikael Lustig is delighted to be ready for action again after an injury-hit campaign

Deila could pick up Brescia midfielder Ahmad Benali for nothing if the Italian Serie B side, who are in financial difficulties, are wound up this week. (Daily Record)

Celtic full-back Mikael Lustig cannot wait to play his part in the title race after overcoming his injury problems. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic striker Stefan Scepovic is not worried about Aberdeen's four point lead at the top of the Premiership. (Daily Express)

Aberdeen legend Willie Miller reckons his former club have a real chance to win the title this season, because Celtic are a "lot worse than they were" last term. (Scottish Sun)

Former Aberdeen coach Neil Cooper believes Dons midfielder Ryan Jack is just like club legend Jim Bett, and can help lead the Pittodrie men back to the top of Scottish football. (Daily Record)

Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor is good enough to play in the English Premier League, according to his former Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore. (Daily Express)

Hamilton have had more than 60 applications for their vacant manager's job. (Scottish Sun)

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara insists his side are not title contenders because they need to tighten up in defence, after seeing the Tannadice side edge a 3-2 thriller against Hamilton. (Daily Express)

McNamara is planning a move for Partick Thistle right back Stephen O'Donnell, and hopes to land the 22-year-old in January. (Daily Express)

Partick Thistle's Stephen O'Donnell has emerged a target for Premiership rivals Dundee United

St Mirren stand-in manager Gary Teale hopes to make Aldershot hitman Brett Williams, who scored 24 goals last season, his first signing for the Buddies. (Daily Express)

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has snapped up 18-year-old Spartans striker George Hunter. (Daily Express)

Kilmarnock full-back Chris Chantler admits fans' boos are getting to some of the club's young players. (Daily Record)

Dundee manager Paul Hartley has backed on-loan Hibernian youngster Alex Harris to shine at Dens Park. (Scottish Sun)

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson believes Rangers will still be a threat to his side's title chances even if the Tynecastle men win at Ibrox on Friday night. (Daily Express)

John McGlynn, a former youth coach and manager of Hearts, has urged the club's crop of young talent to stay at Tynecastle and develop. (Daily Record)

Cardiff City have ditched plans to sign Chelsea's Scotland Under-21 star Islam Feruz after taking the player on trial. (Herald)

Aberdeen midfielder Ryan Jack has been compared to club legend Jim Bett

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has played down reports linking him with a move for Cardiff and Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall. (Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Scottish golfer Martin Laird believes he is ready to hit top form after deciding to work with his former coach again. (Daily Express)

Retired athlete Lee McConnell reckons last summer's Commonwealth Games should be seen as a launchpad for Scots to go on to bigger things, not the pinnacle of their careers. (Scottish Sun)

Edinburgh coach Steve Scott has urged his side to silence the Lyon fans when the Murrayfield men visit the French outfit on European Challenge Cup duty. (Scottish Sun)

Ruaridh Jackson has set his sights on securing a Scotland slot for the Rugby World Cup after signing a new deal at Wasps. (Scotsman)

Ricky Burns is on the brink of a fight in Las Vegas against Rances Barthelemy, as the Scot looks to resurrect his boxing career. (Herald)