Rumour Mill: Kris Commons | Ikechi Anya | Rangers

Is this goodbye? Kris Commons bade farewell to the Celtic support but Ronny Deila says Commons is going nowhere. Picture: SNS

Kris Commons ‘going nowhere’ despite farewell to Celtic fans; Crystal Palace join race for Ikechi Anya; Rangers fans fail in Ashley court bid and Neil Alexander ‘baffled’ by Ibrox abuse

Commons’ farewell to Celtic mystifies Deila

KRIS Commons bade an emotional farewell to Celtic fans after yesterday’s 2-0 win over Hamilton, throwing his boots into the crowd and applauding the sizeable travelling support.

Yet manager Ronny Deila reckons the former Derby star will need to go out and buy some more boots because he isn’t going anywhere.

Deila told the Scotland on Sunday: “He has given me no indication that he wants to leave, I know he wants to stay and this is all negotiation. It is about what the player wants and what the club wants.

“This will continue and it is just a matter if we can get agreement.”

Commons had been linked with a move to Bolton, where he would team up with former Hoops boss Neil Lennon. (Scotland on Sunday)

Deila plays down Ben Haim talk

RONNY Deila yesterday confirmed that Celtic were interested in Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Tal Ben Haim, but added: “He is one of the many names we have been talking about. It is a long way from there to signing him up.

“We are looking for different positions and we will see.”

Ben Haim could cost up to £2 million, and is being watched by the likes of PAOK Salonika and Standard Liege. (Scotland on Sunday)

Crystal Palace join chase for Anya

CELTIC could also face competition from Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace for Scotland winger Ikechi Anya.

The Eagles had Anya watched in Watford’s match with Charlton Athletic yesterday, along with striker Troy Deeney as Palace mounted an unlikely comeback from 2-0 down against Burnley to win 3-2.

Anya has been loosely linked with a move north to Celtic in the past, with the Scot sometimes struggling for gametime at Vicarage Road.

But the 27-year-old could become the subject of a bidding war if Palace and Celtic decide to move for him. (Daily Mail)

RST: No legal challenge to Mike Ashley

THE Rangers Supporters Trust has conceded defeat in its attempt to mount a legal challenge to Mike Ashley’s efforts to get security over Ibrox and Murray Park.

The Newcastle owner filed documents notifying land registry bosses he plans to add Sports Direct to the title deeds of the Rangers stadium and training complex, amid rumours he is set to offer the Light Blues another loan.

But a statement from the RST issued at the weekend said: “The Rangers Supporters Trust has, at considerable time and expense over the past two days, taken detailed legal advice over the recent move by the Rangers board to give notice of intention to grant security over Ibrox to Sports Direct.

“It is the opinion of both our senior counsel, junior counsel and solicitors that we can take no further action at this time.” (Various)

Alexander baffled by Ibrox abuse

FORMER Rangers ‘keeper Neil Alexander has admitted he was baffled by the abuse he was subjected to by sections of the Rangers support during the abandoned match between the Gers and Hearts on Friday night.

Alexander, now No1 at Hearts, had a claim for £84,000 in unpaid earnings from his time at Ibrox settled in his favour, with the outcome becoming public as Rangers teetered on the brink of administration late last year.

And the 36-year-old. who spent over five years at Ibrox and won all domestic honours in the process, was booed every time he touched the ball, and said: “I was getting pelters from the Rangers fans, absolute pelters.

“I was getting booed every time I was on the ball and it was disappointing. Was it the legal case? I don’t know.

“I don’t think I deserved it as I always said I wanted to stay. I’ve never said anything controversial about the club. I’ve always been positive.” (Scotland on Sunday)

League Cup semi could be biggest Celtic-Rangers game, says Stokes

ANTHONY Stokes reckons next month’s League Cup showdown between Celtic and Rangers could be the biggest clash between the two clubs in history.

Stokes told the Scotland on Sunday: “For me, it has always been the biggest game. It is great to play in Europe but with the rivalry and what it brings to the city it is a special occasion and something I am really looking forward to.

“This could arguably be the biggest because of the time that has passed since we last played them.”

Stokes revealed that he has had Celtic fans telling him anything less than a 5-0 win would be considered a bad result, and the former Hibs striker added: “You have to be realistic, it is a one-off game and it is going to be a firey atmosphere.

“I am sure everyone is going to fight for every ball like you do in an Old Firm game, and I am sure there will be a bit of niggle to it as well.

“I would take 1-0 every game, every day of the week, the most important thing is to win the game.

“I genuinely couldn’t care less if I play against Rangers and don’t score if we win the game.” (Scotland on Sunday)

News in brief

• Former Celtic midfielder Landry N’Guemo has signed for top French side Saint Etienne

• Ex-Hoops stopper Kelvin Wilson was attacked by a Derby fan during the Championship match between Nottingham Forrest and the Rams yesterday

• Shaun Maloney is reportedly still in talks with MLS outfit Chicago Fire after knocking back Leicester