Steven Gerrard is on a four-man shortlist to replace Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United, Celtic have opened talks with Rapid Vienna over a £3 million move for Boli Mbombo and Martin Skrtel could be on his way to Ibrox.

Gerrard on Newcastle shortlist

The Telegraph are reporting that Steven Gerrard is one of the front-runners to replace Rafa Benitez as manager of Newcastle United. Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta are all on the shortlist alongside Gerrard.

Gerrard: No pressure to sell stars

Steven Gerrard has insisted that he is under no pressure whatsoever from the Rangers board to sell either Alfredo Morelos or James Tavernier this summer. Gerrard said: “There hasn't been an offer for any of my players up until now. Do I have to sell to bring in? I don't think so.”

Turnbull requires minor knee operation

Celtic remain ‘desperate’ to finalise a deal for Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull, despite the fact that the 19-year-old will require a minor knee operation in the near future, according to the Scottish Sun. Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “David might need have to go through some short-term pain for long-term progress. We still want him here - me and the club as a whole.”

Rangers ‘launch third Skrtel bid’

The Daily Record are reporting that Rangers want to offer a contract to free agent Martin Skrtel after the 34-year-old’s contract at Turkish side Fenerbache expired at the end of last season. The Record believe that Skrtel will fly out to Glasgow in the coming days to begin contract negotiations.

Griffiths scores on Celtic return

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths opened the scoring in last night’s 6-1 friendly win over Pinkerfield in Austria in his first start for the club since taking time off to resolve personal issues last December. Armstrong Oko-Flex, Mikey Johnston and Jack Aitchison all starred for Neil Lennon’s side in a comfortable win for the Scottish champions.

Celtic ‘open talks’ with Rapid Vienna over Mbombo

Celtic have opened discussions with Rapid Vienna over the transfer of full-back Boli Mbombo, according to reports in the Daily Mail. Mbombo, who is a cousin of Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku, would cost around £3 million with Burnley, Napoli and Sampdoria all interested in the 23-year-old.

St Mirren given permission to speak to Goodwin

Alloa Athletic have granted St Mirren permission to speak to Jim Goodwin about the manager’s vacancy at the Simple Digital Arena, according to the Scotsman. Goodwin, 37, is a former captain of the Paisley club and is well-regarded after avoiding relegation with part-timers Alloa in the Championship last season.

Ness set for return to Scotland?

Former Rangers midfielder Jamie Ness is a transfer target for Dundee after the midfielder’s Plymouth Argyle contract expired at the end of the season. The 28-year-old is looking for a new club and the Scottish Sun reckon he could be tempted to move to Dens Park.