Gossip column: Celtic agree fee, Rangers target, Higginbotham chase

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic have agreed a £1m fee with Willem II for left-back Mitchell Dijks but could still lose out to Ajax, with coach Ronald de Boer confident of securing the 22-year-old's signature a year after selling him to their Eredivisie rivals. (The Sun, print edition)

It would appear that Celtic have lost out in their pursuit of Dutch left-back Mitchell Dijks, as the news was broken that Ajax had finalised a move for the Willem II full-back to return to Amsterdam this summer. (HITC Sport)

Brondby have urged Celtic to reduce their asking price for Teemu Pukki after the striker's loan spell with the Danish club. (Metro, print edition)

Rangers want to sign the biggest name in European football - Julen Etxabeguren Leanizbarrutia, the 24-year-old former Real Sociedad defender who has left East Fife after five months with the League Two club - but six Premiership clubs are also interested. (The Sun, print edition)

Kilmarnock, Hearts and Hibernian are all interested in signing striker Kallum Higginbotham, who is believed to have turned down a contract offer from Partick Thistle. (Daily Mail, print edition)

David Moyes has reportedly turned down Sunderland despite holding talks with the English club

Steve Banks has been offered a full-time coaching role by St Johnstone, with fellow goalkeeper Zander Wright being promoted to the first-team squad after his loan spell with Queen of the South. (The Sun, print edition)

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes has turned down the chance to take over at Sunderland after Dick Advocaat rejected the chance to continue as manager. (Daily Mail)

Raith Rovers chief executive Eric Drysdale has explained that Maurice Malpas left Stark's Park because the arrival of Ray McKinnon meant the Kirkcaldy club now had an experienced manager and there was no longer a pressing need for a director of football. (The Courier)

Members of European football's governing body, Uefa, have talked about leaving Fifa and setting up a rival organisation should Sepp Blatter be re-elected as president of the world governing body, according to Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan. (The Scotsman)

Football authorities and clubs must face sanctions for failing to address sectarian behaviour if the problem is to be tackled, the Scottish government has been told in the final report by the independent group tasked almost three years ago. (The Herald)

Dundee managing director John Nelms has launched a staunch defence of Jim McAlister over claims he made racist remarks towards Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci, who has been accused of biting the winger's leg in the weekend Tayside derby. (Daily Express)

Dundee United striker Mario Bilate is being sent to a specialist, according to the Daily Express

The Scottish FA has gathered further evidence from Dundee as they investigate the allegation that Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci bit winger Jim McAlister on the leg during Sunday's derby. (Daily Mail, print edition)

A successful testimonial match for former Dundee goalkeeper Julian Speroni could lead to a lasting link between the Dark Blues and his current club, Crystal Palace, with the English top-flight club considering regular pre-season friendlies. (The Courier)

Dundee United have sent striker Mario Bilate to see a specialist in the Netherlands in a bid to solve a long-running hamstring problem. (Daily Express, print edition)

Falkirk are hoping that their socks arrive in time for Saturday's Scottish Cup final after strip manufacturer Puma sent up boxes of children's sizes ahead of the Hampden game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. (Daily Express)

Falkirk defender David McCracken will be an extra happy man should the Bairns beat Inverness to lift the Scottish Cup and deny St Johnstone a Europa League place as the Perth club withdrew a contract offer to him two years ago because of injury problems. (Daily Express, print edition)

OTHER GOSSIP

Great Britain Rugby Sevens Limited has confirmed its preparation plans for next year's Rio Olympics following qualification on behalf of Team GB by England's men and women, with the Scottish Rugby Union and its English and Welsh counterparts each being represented on the board and the executive committee of GB Rugby Sevens, which has been ratified by the British Olympic Association. (The Herald)