Tuesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic have stepped up their interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Zakaria Bakkali after informing the Dutch club that they have started talks with the Belgian, who is out of contract in the summer. (The Sun, print edition)

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons is poised to lose his battle to be fit in time to face Inter Milan in Thursday's Europa League last-32 first leg. (Daily Mail)

Former Inter Milan striker Sandro Mazzola is worried the San Siro side are set to let history repeat itself and underestimate Celtic - just like he did in the 1967 European Cup final. (The Herald)

Hull City midfielder Robert Snodgrass has urged Celtic manager Ronny Deila to hand his former Livingston team-mate, Leigh Griffiths, a starting place against Inter Milan in Thursday's Europa League last 32 first leg despite the striker having failed to score in eight European appearances. (The Scotsman)

Robert Snodgrass grew up in the shadow of Celtic Park and the Hull City midfielder was so devoted to the Glasgow club he even wore a pair of Celtic shorts when he was training as a youth with Rangers. (The Scotsman)

PSV Eindhoven striker Zakaria Bakkali is reported to be in talks with Celtic

Scotland midfielder Don Cowie reckons sparks will fly when Celtic captain Scott Brown comes face to face with Inter Milan hardman Gary Medel, nicknamed the Pitbull and who Cowie played beside at Cardiff City, in Thursday's Europa League tie. (Daily Record)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila wants to keep goalkeeper Craig Gordon at the club for the rest of his career. (Evening Times)

Dundee United defender Callum Morris is a major injury doubt for next month's Scottish Cup quarter-final and Scottish League Cup final meetings with Celtic. (The Courier)

Former Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Craig Brewster, who is Brighton Under-17 coach, is in the running, along with Manchester United academy chief Brian McClair, to be Scottish FA performance director. (The Sun, print edition)

Scottish health secretary Shona Robison has said she would take a lot of persuading to lift the ban on alcohol at football matches and would be "very sceptical" about the change in the law demanded by Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy. (The Scotsman)

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has become the latest high-profile figure to back supporters' group Rangers First, which is supporting shareholder Dave King's bid to replace the current board at the club's upcoming club extraordinary general meeting. (The Scotsman)

Rangers supporter group Rangers First has continued its rapid growth after signing up its 10,000th member. (The Herald)

American businessman Robert Sarver, who had a £20m takeover bid rejected by Rangers last month, is set to spend £350m on a new stadium for his basketball team, Phoenix Suns. (Daily Record, print edition)

Garry O'Connor has reportedly been transfer-listed by Selkirk

Gibraltar could have to find a new coach ahead of his side's 29 March visit to Hampden, with Allen Bula facing a hearing with his FA this week after they turned down his request to travel to Glasgow to watch Scotland take on Northern Ireland four days before the Euro 2016 qualifier. (Daily Express, print edition)

Former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper Jonathan Gould has joined English Premier League outfit West Brom as goalkeeping coach after leaving Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand. (Birmingham Mail)

St Johnstone captain Dave Mackay has signed a new contract, until 2016, with the Scottish Premiership club. (Daily Record)

Striker Michael Antoine-Curier, who was freed by Hamilton Academical last month, has won a contract with English League Two outfit Burton Albion after a successful trial. (Daily Record, print edition)

Former Scotland striker Garry O'Connor has been transfer-listed by Lowland League club Selkirk. (Daily Record, print edition)

OTHER GOSSIP

The Scottish Golf Union appears to be tantalisingly close to getting the green light at the end of next month to amalgamate with the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association. (The Scotsman)

British light-welterweight champion Willie Limond will defend his title against unbeaten Welshman Chris Jenkins in Leeds on 11 April. (Boxing Scene)