Scottish Gossip: Joey Barton, Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Rangers midfielder Joey Barton is jealous of Celtic because he wants to play for them, according to former Parkhead captain Tom Boyd. The Englishman made headlines last week for his comments about Celtic captain Scott Brown, but Boyd reckons Barton would "rather be pulling on the hoops than a blue jersey". (Various)

Barton is set to miss Rangers pre-season trip to the USA. The club have given the 33-year-old midfielder extra time off to recover after helping Burnley to the English Championship title last season. Barton was not certain to be granted entry to the States due to his 2008 conviction for assault. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic have agreed a deal to axe Carlton Cole. The former West Ham striker will not return to Parkhead after a nightmare time at the club, which saw him make just one start and four substitute appearances - scoring one goal - after signing an 18-month deal in October. (Daily Record)

Neil Warnock insists Clint Hill is the man to inject a rod of iron into the Rangers defence. Hill is in talks about a one-year deal with Mark Warburton's side. (Daily Mail)

Rangers are set to tie up a contract for Hill, with the prospect of a coaching role at Ibrox sealing the deal. The defender, 37, is available on a free transfer after being released by QPR last week. (Daily Record)

Carlton Cole has failed to make an impact at Celtic, scoring just one goal since arriving at the club in October

Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho has claimed he is set to join Rangers, the 23-year-old saying "it is just a matter of time" before a deal goes through. (Daily Express)

Celtic new boy Kristoffer Ajer was gutted when Ronny Deila left the club, until he found out Brendan Rodgers had replaced him. The 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder signed a four-year deal on a pre-contract agreement in January when Deila was Celtic manager. (Daily Star)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has completed deals for goalkeepers Joe Lewis and Neil Alexander plus defender Callum Morris. (Daily Mail)

Scotland coach Stuart McCall has agreed terms to take over as Bradford City manager and could be confirmed this weekend. McCall is set to give up his role with the national team to make the move back into club management. (The Herald)

Hibernian manager Neil Lennon admits his squad will not be ready before their competitive season starts with a Europa League second qualifier on July 14. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Murray won Olympic gold, the US Open and Wimbledon in his first spell working with Lendl

Andy Murray and Ivan Lendl are laying elaborate plans to ambush world number one Novak Djokovic in an attempt to halt the Serbian superstar's harvesting of titles. (Daily Express)

Stuart Hogg says he is feeling refreshed and ready to go as Scotland gear up for the first of two Tests against Japan in Nagoya on Saturday. (The Scotsman)

Ruaridh Jackson is not taking it for granted that he will be handed the number 10 jersey for Saturday's match against Japan, despite being the only specialist fly-half in the Scotland squad. (The Times)