FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Derek McInnes says his Aberdeen players won’t freeze in the mouth-watering clash against Celtic at Pittodrie. (Various)

Celtic made a loss of nearly £4m in the last financial year because they opted not to sell Virgil van Dijk until this summer, according to chief executive Peter Lawwell. (Various)

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is targeting a Scottish Cup final victory as a passport to a European place.

Full story: Daily Record

The outcome of the four league encounters between Celtic and Aberdeen will prove crucial in who wins the Premiership title this season, according to Celtic boss Ronny Deila. (Various)

Peter Lawwell has praised Aberdeen and Hearts for giving Scottish football a welcome shot in the arm – but warned them that the Premiership champions will defend their title. (Various)

Ronald de Boer, brother of Ajax boss Frank, has tipped defender and former Celtic target Mitchell Dijks to beat them in next week’s Europa League encounter.

Full story: Scottish Sun

Mark Warburton insists Rangers chairman Dave King is right to claim his side should target the Premiership title next season, should they secure promotion from the Championship.

Full story: The Herald

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes the defeat by Inverness CT – their second straight league loss – should serve as a “reality check” regarding life in the top flight. (Various)

Talk of Rangers winning the Scottish Cup “should not and cannot be the priority” this season, according to former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.

Full story: Daily Record

Despite Hibernian trailing Rangers by nine points in the Championship, Alloa boss Danny Lennon has tipped the Edinburgh outfit to “keep pace with them” this season. (Various)

Celtic will face the new Cristiano Ronaldo in the form of Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi, says Ronald de Boer. “He idolises Cristiano, but myself and Frank [de Boer] tell him that Lionel Messi is better!”

Full story: Scottish Sun

OTHER GOSSIP

Talking through the problems of the Six Nations campaign was key to Scotland’s improvement in the four World Cup warm-up games, according to centre Peter Horne. (Various)