The latest news and sport from around Scottish football with clubs looking to strengthen ahead of the new season amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Celtic open contract talks with Odsonne Edouard
Celtic have opened talks over a new contract with striker Odsonne Edouard. The Scottish champions are keen to sign an agreement on improved terms for the Frenchman to provide insurance that the striker will remain in their bid to secure an unprecedented tenth straight title. The Frenchman is reported to be a target for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We’re doing everything we can to keep him here for at least another season anyway. I think he is happy here. I think he’s got a fantastic relationship certainly with me and my backroom team and his team-mates" (The Herald)
READ MORE: Celtic in talks with Odsonne Edouard over new contract
Livingston set price for Dykes
Livingston want £2m for striker Lyndon Dykes, who is attracting interest from Celtic and Rangers. The striker, who bagged 12 goals last season is attracting interest from English sides Stoke City, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn and Barnsley all thought to be keen as well as reported interest from Celtic and Rangers. (Mail on Sunday)
League reconstruction latest
Rangers face a battle to push through their 14-14-18 league reconstruction proposal. The plan needs the backing of 75% of clubs. However, many are thought to be set to reject the deal. Elgin chairman Graham Tatters said: “We just want to get some stability. It is really getting tedious now. When something goes wrong, people come up with another plan — and then another one.” (Scottish Sun)
St Mirren should have shown loyalty to Stephen McGinn
John McGinn feels former club St Mirren should have shown more loyalty to his brother Stephen, who has been let go by the Paisley side. The Aston Villa midfielder said: “Obviously, he’s hurting and we’re all hurting for him but I’m sure he’ll be back playing football soon and be proving everyone wrong. It’s a difficult one in the current climate. I know Stephen has a brilliant relationship with everyone there. Loyalty is a difficult topic in football. There are so many ways you can look at it. I have a bias towards my brother." (Scotland on Sunday)
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Barker needs to be consistent
Rotherham manager Neil Redfearn has said Rangers winger Brandon Barker "has to learn to be consistent," His former boss told The Sunday Mail “He just needs a run somewhere that he can get a real go at it and someone who gives him the confidence to go and play regularly.
“But he has to learn to be consistent. One of the biggest strengths with any footballer is the ability to produce good performances week in, week out so you’re trustworthy." (Sunday Mail)
Scottish football overly reliant on supporters
Aberdeen commercial director Rob Wicks warned the reliance on supporters has made Scottish football the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. He told the Evening Express “We are so critically dependent on fans being able to be in the stadium in Scottish football. The same applies all the way down the leagues. (Evening Express)
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