Wednesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Aston Villa have asked Rangers if they would be willing to sell midfielder Steven Davis before the close of the transfer window. However, having been given no encouragement from the Ibrox club, Villa may now turn their attention to Manchester United's Darron Gibson. (Daily Record)

Meanwhile, Leicester City are lining up a new, improved £8m bid for Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic while fellow forward James Beattie is on his way out of Ibrox. (The Sun)

Rangers want £9m for Jelavic and Leicester may throw in a player as a makeweight to push the deal through. (Daily Express)

Celtic have targetted West Bromwich Albion's Nickey Shorey and Birmingham City's Liam Ridgewell as possible transfer deadline day signings as manager Neil Lennon looks to bolster his defence. (Daily Record)

However, Lennon has pulled out of a move for Maritimo striker Baba Diawara while another forward Georgios Samaras and defender Jos Hooiveld are close to leaving Celtic. (Various)

Rangers youngsters Kyle Hutton, Andrew Little and John Fleck could be sent out on loan before the close of the transfer window. (Various)

New Celtic striker Mohamed Bangura says he owes his dream move to Glasgow to former Rangers players Jonas Thern and Alex Miller. (Daily Record)

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Reagan has warned that the Scottish Premier League will become like the leagues of Ireland and Wales if changes are not put in place soon.

Reagan wants to see the SPL merged with the Scottish Football League, play-offs introduced for promotion to the top flight, summer football or a winter break and an under-20s league. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

Andy Murray is angry he was forced to wait until the 11th hour before discovering when his US Open first-round match against Somdev Devvarman would take place. Britain's number one tennis player takes on India's Devvarman this afternoon, almost a week after the draw was made. (Daily Record)