Rumour Mill: Lewis Macleod | John Guidetti

Lewis Macleod in action against Falkirk. Picture: Robert Perry

Macleod is a wanted man

Everton and Burnley are keeping tabs on the progress of Rangers midfielder Lewis Macleod with a mind on luring away the hot young prospect during the January transfer window. Ally McCoist has previously expressed his desire to keep the player - who was called up to the Scotland squad for the recent double-header against the Republic of Ireland and England - though Rangers may be forced to sell because of their ongoing financial problems. (Daily Mail)

• Former Rangers and Hearts defender Dave McPherson believes the visitors were unlucky in their 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle on Saturday. McPherson cited a couple of “breaks” that didn’t go the way of McCoist’s men, including the ball ricocheting off Darren McGregor before landing for Jason Holt to fire in an emphatic opener. (Daily Mail)

• Steven Naismith has expressed sympathy toward to the Rangers fans for the way in which they’ve been treated over the last few years. Relations are strained between the support and their former player over the manner in which Naismith exited the club following liquidation, with Naismith admitting that there were some things he would have “definitely done differently”. (Evening Times)

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• President of the Rangers Supporters Assembly Andy Kerr believes fans should get behind beleaguered boss Ally McCoist. Rangers financial problems would make it difficult for the club to sack McCoist, and Kerr is still confident of Rangers achieving promotion with him at the helm. (Daily Record)

Guidetti to make Celtic wait on permanent deal

John Guidetti will make Celtic wait before agreeing any deal to join the club permanently. Chief executive Peter Lawwell insisted the club had agreed a fee with Manchester City and would be meeting the player’s representatives. It is now understood Guidetti, who is wanted by Hull City, would like to keep his options open for the time being since he’s a free agent at the end of this campaign. (Daily Express)

• A trip to Celtic Park is the highlight of the Europa League group stages for every Red Bull Salzburg player, according to their star midfielder. Slovenian Kevin Kampl talked up the atmosphere inside the famous ground, and insists the visiting players believe they are capable of leaving Scotland with all three points from the crucial encounter. (The Scotsman)

• Celtic captain Scott Brown will walk a suspension tightrope during the Salzburg match. The midfielder is a yellow card away from missing the final group game, and potential qualification decider for the knockout stages, against Dinamo Zagreb. (Evening Times)

Livingston given five point deduction

Livingston’s perilous existence in Scotland’s second tier became that little bit more desperate after they were hit with a £10,000 fine and a five-point deduction for defaulting on tax obligations. The Lions were already bottom of the table and now go a full seven points behind ninth placed Cowdenbeath. The club also has a ban on registering new players. (The Scotsman)

Hibs get full Roseburn Stand

Hibs supporters will receive their usual allocation for the new year Edinburgh derby fixture at Tynecastle. After Hearts cut Rangers’ briefs to just 1,300 for the Scottish Championship match on Saturday, it was feared they’d impose similar restrictions on away seating when their local rivals come to visit. However, Hibs have confirmed the club will be receiving the whole 3,400 capacity of the Roseburn Stand. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• Former St Mirren midfielder Chic Charnley claims the club have to sack manager Tommy Craig if they want to avoid dropping out of the Scottish Premiership. (The Scotsman)

• Striker Chris Kane will return to St Johnstone in January after spending the first half of the 2014/15 campaign on loan at Dumbarton. (The Courier)

• The tribunal to decide how much Dundee United will pay rangers in “development fees” for the signing of Charlie Telfer will take place on December 9th. (The Courier)

• Peterhead may decide to appeal against the SPFL decision to replay their match against Ayr United after the club fielded an ineligible player. Peterhead were also fined £10,000 for the error. (Press and Journal)

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Rumour Mill: Lewis Macleod | John Guidetti | Hibs