Scottish Gossip: Brendan Rodgers, Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar, Hibs, Motherwell

Football gossip

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was approached by the FA shortly after he left Liverpool about the possibility of taking over from England boss Roy Hodgson. (Sun)

Rangers boss Mark Warburton says the enthusiasm and desire of signing target Niko Kranjcar shone through when he met the Croatian midfielder in New York last month. (Various)

And Kranjcar, 31, says former Ibrox striker Nikica Jelavic sold him on a switch to Rangers. (Sun)

New Ibrox midfielder Joey Barton responds to jibes from Scott Brown by posting a social media picture of the Celtic captain in a Rangers kit as a youth. (Daily Record)

Veteran England striker Emile Heskey, 38, has turned down a move to Hibernian, saying he is focused on a coaching career. (Scotsman)

Hibs are interested in a loan deal for Aberdeen goalkeeper Danny Rogers, who was with Dumbarton and Falkirk in the past two seasons. (Times)

Former Raith Rovers goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw, who missed all of last season through injury, is to spend time training with Hibs. (Sun)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes warns any clubs interested in his best players that they will need deep pockets and insists there has been no approach for any key members of his squad. (Herald)

Motherwell are lining up a move for Chester defender Ben Heneghan, who was the subject of a January bid from Fir Park. (Daily Express)

Northern Ireland's 1982 World Cup hero Gerry Armstrong thinks out-of-contract Hamilton Accies goalkeeper Michael McGovern can win a move to a top European side after his impressive displays at Euro 2016. (Herald)

Stoke are to return with a second bid for Dundee United's teenage defender Harry Souttar. (Sun)

Dundee midfielder Nicky Low may not have recovered from ankle surgery in time to join his team-mates on their pre-season trip to Austria. (Daily Express)

New arrival Stewart Murdoch is targeting a quick return to the Premiership with "massive club" Dundee United. (Various)

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan will sit down with the SFA next week to discuss a possible replacement for Stuart McCall, who will no longer coach the national side after returning to management with Bradford. (Daily Mail)

East Fife are hoping to land former Hearts and Kilmarnock midfielder Scott Robinson as they prepare for life in League One. (Sun)

Former Dundee United midfielder Aidan Connolly, who ended last season at Raith Rovers, has agreed a two-year deal at York City. (Sun)

Former Rangers striker Nicky Clark is mulling over an offer to join Southend. (Daily Record)

Other gossip

World number one Novak Djokovic is "flattered" to hear Andy Murray and newly reinstated coach Ivan Lendl are plotting to beat him at Wimbledon. (Various)

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will attend their first rugby match when Scotland take on Japan on Saturday. (Various)