Rangers want to sign Karim Ansarifard, who represented Iran at the 2018 World Cup, St Mirren’s Vaclav Hladky could be playing Champions League football next season and Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama, who is likely to feature in this weekend’s Champions League final, says that he owes much of his success to Neil Lennon.

Rangers linked with Karim Ansarifard

Nottingham Forest striker Karim Ansarifard could be on his way to Ibrox, if reports in the Scotsman are to be believed. The 29-year-old Iranian starred at the World Cup in Russia for his country, scoring in their 1-1 draw with Portugal, but Rangers will face competition for the forward’s signature from unnamed clubs in Turkey and Germany.

Vaclav Hladky to Qarabag?

St Mirren goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky, who was the side’s hero in their play-off penalty shootout against Dundee United on Sunday, is being monitored by Azerbaijani champions Qarabag according to the Scottish Sun. A source close to the 28-year-old said: “Qarabag have been keeping tabs on Hladky for some time and money isn’t an issue to them.”

Wanyama: I’ll always be grateful to Neil Lennon and Celtic

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama has praised his former manager Neil Lennon for giving him his first taste of Champions League football ahead of this weekend’s showpiece final. “I think he is a fantastic manager and a fantastic coach but he is also a good man,” said Wanyama. “He taught me the game. He made me a mature player.”

McGinn insists Villa gamble paid off

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn - who scored the goal that confirmed the Birmingham club’s promotion to the Premier League - says he has no regrets over his move to Villa Park. McGinn was widely linked with a transfer to Celtic last summer, but reckons he made the right decision. “Sometimes in football you have to take risks. You have to challenge yourself,” said McGinn.

Kilmarnock duo set for Scotland call-up

New Scotland manager Steve Clarke, who will announce his first squad later today, is set to hand Eamonn Brophy and Greg Taylor their first call-ups to the senior squad, according to the Scottish Sun.

Clarke identifies Forrest as player he can’t wait to work with

Steve Clarke has admitted that he is relishing working with Celtic winger James Forrest during his time in charge of the national team. Clarke said: “You want to work with the best quality of player that you can. I think James Forrest in-particular is an exciting one because since Brendan Rodgers went to Celtic, he went in there and changed James’ game a little bit.”

Newcastle United sale imminent?

The Scottish Sun are reporting that Sheik Khaled, cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour, is on the verge of completing a deal to buy Newcastle United from current owner Mike Ashley for £350 million.

McCoist: My love for Rangers has never wavered

Ex-Rangers manager Ally McCoist says that even during his ill-fated spell in charge of the Ibrox club, his love of the team never wavered. McCoist said: “Never ever for a minute did I fall out with the club. Not one bit. But there was aspects of my time as manager that I fell out with people within the club. Fell out of love with the people running the club.”