Scottish Gossip: Warburton, Rangers, Fletcher, Anya, Celtic

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Former Brentford boss Mark Warburton, 52, could become Rangers manager in the next 48 hours.(Sun - subscription required)

But Warburton is remaining tight lipped as Rangers get ready to naming their new manager. (Daily Record)

Sunderland may have to make a straight offer for Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk, 23, as any swap deal involving Black Cats and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher, 28, could prove awkward. (Sunderland Echo)

Glasgow-bound? Scotland duo Steven Fletcher and Ikechi Anya have been linked with Celtic

Celtic have enhanced their efforts to sign £2m-rated Ikechi Anya, the 27-year-old Scotland winger currently with Watford. (Daily Express)

Scotland coach Gordon Strachan has warned Republic of Ireland counterpart Martin O'Neill he is ready for anything ahead of Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier between the two sides in Dublin.(Sun - subscription required)

Strachan insists his players are good enough to win a fight or a football match against the Irish. (Daily Record)

But the Scotland coach's final message to his players as they leave the away dressing room in Dublin will be to relax.(Scotsman)

Strachan's are third in Euro 2016 Qualifying Group D, two points ahead of Republic of Ireland

O'Neill has defended Ireland's qualifying campaign so far, insisting he does not think they have stalled after a positive start. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, who has signed a new deal at Pittodrie until 2019, acknowledged the speculation that had linked him with the Rangers job but insists he was always expecting to extend his stay with the Dons.(Daily Record)

Rangers are not interested in appointing Helder Cristovao as their new boss, despite reports linking him with the job in his native Portugal. (Daily Record)

Meanwhile, Ibrox director Paul Murray is confident Rangers International Football Club plc will be able to trade on the ISDX stock exchange and feels the board are obligated to get the listing after being removed from the Alternative Investment Market.(Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

World number one Lydia Ko has confirmed she will use next month's Ladies Scottish Open at Dundonald Links as preparation for the following week's British Women's Open at Turnberry.(Scotsman)

Ko will play the Ladies Scottish Open in Ayrshire

Lleyton Hewitt, due to play his final Wimbledon this year, believes Andy Murray can win this year's title, saying: "I think Andy will be tough to beat. I really do." (Daily Mail)