Scottish Gossip: Celtic, Red Imps, Rangers, Hearts, St Johnstone, Kilmarnock

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic are expected to bid for Blackburn and Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy this week but winger James Forrest will not be moving in the opposite direction. (Herald)

Scotland's clubs are poised to defy an ultimatum by justice minister Michael Matheson to tackle fan disorder via strict liability or face legislation. (Daily Mail)

Lincoln Red Imps striker Lee Casciaro insists he needs just one chance to end Celtic's chances of Champions League qualifying progress after giving the side from Gibraltar a shock 1-0 first leg victory. (Sun)

The Scottish FA has set up the national training facilities at Mar Hall for the Red Imps after the semi-professional side struggled to find anywhere else. (Various)

German defender Marcel Appiah played for Hearts in a closed door match against Sunderland yesterday, with the 28-year-old released by Dutch club NEC Nijmegen. (Sun, print edition)

Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes the Scottish academy system is stunting player development, along with the policy of sending young players out on loan to local lower division sides. (Various)

Joey Barton is in line to make his Rangers debut from the bench in tonight's League Cup tie with Annan Athletic. (Various)

Winger Harry Forrester believes Rangers' summer signings gives the club the necessary depth to challenge for the Premiership title. (Sun)

St Johnstone midfielder David Wotherspoon is likely to miss the rest of the League Cup group phase as he recovers from hand surgery. (Evening Telegraph)

Wotherspoon made 40 appearances for Saints last season

Celtic need three new players to avoid missing out on the Champions League group stage for the third year running, says former striker John Hartson. (The Times, print edition)

Josh Magennis thinks Kilmarnock should copy the template used by Northern Ireland to reach Euro 2016, tapping into a strong team spirit. (Sun)

Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique will sit out a Dublin friendly with Celtic on 30 July since they have been given extra time off by the Spanish champions. (Daily Express)

Saidy Janko is determined to impress new boss Brendan Rodgers after an injury-hit first season at Celtic. (Various)

Jason Cummings says the arrival of manager Neil Lennon was key to him signing a new contract and vows not to leave Hibernian until they are promoted back to the top flight. (Various)

Nick van der Velden has agreed to join up at Dundee United, the 34-year-old taking advice from fomer Tannadice favourite Freddy van der Hoorn. (Evening Telegraph)

Northern Ireland defender Liam Donnelly, who spent last week on trial with Hearts after being released by Fulham, has been told he will not be offered a contract by the Scottish Premiership club. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, the 22-year-old presently with Gor Mahia who has previously been linked with Rangers, says he is about to join Aberdeen this week on trial. (The Sun)

Annan Athletic are calling on the SPFL to help with their claim for compensation after Josh Todd's switch to Dumbarton, with the Sons signing the striker as on amateur in a bid to avoid a fee. (Scotsman, print edition)

Teenagers Abi Harrison and Rachel McLauchlan are among 12 Hibernian players chosen for a 25-strong Scotland squad training camp at Broadwood next week, with 21 of the those involved coming from the domestic league. (The National)

Bolton are ready to sign up veteran Scotland defender Gordon Greer, who was released by Brighton at the end of last season. (Sun, print edition)

Former Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov squandered a £308m fortune before going into exile in Russia, according to figures released by the Lithuanian authorities. (Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Golf great Jack Nicklaus reckons Henrik Stenson's Open win over Phil Mickleson at Troon was better than his famous 'duel in the sun' loss to Tom Watson at the same course in 1977. (Various)

Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith has his sights on back-to-back finals after setting up a home clash with Argentina in the last four. (The National)

And Glasgow is likely to be the Davis Cup semi-final venue, with Andy Murray due to host a charity event in the city a few days after the 16-18 September dates. (Various)