Rumour Mill: Celtic loan bid for Odegaard | Ciftci

Celtic make new Odegaard bid CELTIC have made a new loan offer for Real Madrid teenager Martin Odegaard and have been given fresh encouragement that he could eventually move to Glasgow, with Rafa Benitez set to decide on the Norwegian’s future next month. Reports in Spain this weekend have suggested Celtic have made a new offer to land the Norway international on a season-loan long, although Madrid city rivals Getafe have also made a bid. New Bernabeu head coach Benitez has now decided to assess Odegaard this month for Real’s pre-season trips to Australia and China before making a decision on his future for this season. (Scotland on Sunday) Hoops prepare new Ciftci bid CELTIC are believed to be preparing a third bid for Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci. The Hoops have had two offers knocked back already, reportedly £900,00 and another of just over £1 million. But with Ciftci rejecting a move to Wigan, the Turkish forward is still on Celtic’s radar and Ronny Deila could make a third move after Ciftci’s agent - ex-Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk - hinted that Ciftci would be open to a move to Glasgow. (Sunday Mail) Macleod ‘would return to Ibrox’ FORMER Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod has admitted he’d love to return to Ibrox, just six months after being sold for £1 million. New Gers boss Mark Warburton signed Macleod for Brentford but boyhood Rangers fan Macleod has said he ‘wants to go back one day’ - despite still waiting to make his Brentford debut. He said: “I’ve always said that Rangers are my club and I would want to go back some day. But I’ve just moved down here and I’ve not even started yet as far as I’m concerned. Brentford are my priority.” (Sun on Sunday) Dons ‘can challenge Celtic’ - Considine ABERDEEN defender Andrew Considine believes the Pittodrie side are geared to launch a major title challenge to Celtic this season after assembling the best squad he’s seen at the club in his 11 years of service. Aberdeen won plaudits for running Celtic close for most of last season, but crumbled in their showdowns between the sides after four defeats out of four and Celtic eventually romped to a 17-point success. But with the additions of Graeme Shinnie, keeper Danny Ward and Paul Quinn, he expects Aberdeen to seriously compete for the title and trophies this term. He said: “I’d say this is the strongest squad we have had in my time here. There is strength in depth and the young boys are a year older as well. We’ve got a lot of experience as well so there’s a lot of talent in this squad.” (Scotland on Sunday) News in brief • Danny Lennon has taken Celtic duo Connor McManus and Michael Duffy on loan at Alloa • Charlie Mulgrew has opened contract talks with Celtic and is keen to stay at Parkhead for the rest of his career • Celtic target Jonathan Mensah has hinted at a move away from Evian Thonon Gaillard despite being banned from playing after illegally joining the French side from Udinese • ICT assistant Russell Latapy could leave the club to become a manager in his own right, according to boss John Hughes • The SFA are set to appoint a new Under-21 boss - eight months after Billy Stark’s exit • Former Rangers, Hibs and Cardiff forward Stephen Dobbie has gone on trial with Neil Lennon’s Bolton • St Mirren are hoping to raise some extra cash by letting holidaymakers use the club’s car park - the club’s ground is just a mile from Glasgow Airport

Rumour Mill: Celtic loan bid for Odegaard | Ciftci | Lewis Macleod