The latest news and gossip from around Scottish football.

Rangers to ship out duo

Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker are set to leave Ibrox this January, according to reports.

The pair have not featured regularly for Steven Gerrard and the manager is believed to want them off the wage bill to allow a new face to come in this month.

Clubs south of the border are reportedly keen on taking the players off Rangers' hands which would further trim Gerrard's squad after the departure of Eros Grezda, Andy King and Jamie Murphy on loan. (Daily Record)

Crystal Palace want Celtic kid

Celtic youngster Michael Sparkes is attracting interest from the English Premier League.

Roy Hodgson's Eagles are reportedly running the rule over the promising striker and he has been invited to Selhurst Park to check out their facilities.

Sparkes, 17, is a regular in Celtic's under-18s side and has featured for Scotland at under-16s level. (Scottish Sun)

Souttar Scotland situation

John Souttar's performance against Rangers for Hearts could earn him a Scotland recall.

The defender was a stand-out for the Jambos at Tynecastle on Sunday. He has played just three times since returning from long-term injury.

Scotland assistant Steven Reid was in the stands watching the centre-half and would be a welcome addition to Steve Clarke's backline for the Israel clash in March's Nations League showdown. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic legend urges Rangers to spend

Charlie Nicholas has warned Steven Gerrard he may need to spend some more cash this month if he's to have a serious chance to wrestle the league title from Celtic.

Former Hoops striker Nicholas believes they "could do with" a signing or two to give them a lift as the race to the Premiership heats up. He said: "Rangers can't afford to go into the next Old Firm game is in March thinking if they lose that the title is over. They look to be labouring a bit since they have come back from the break.

"Rangers could do with a signing or two to try and liven things up and really inspire and to show they are serious about challenging. This time last season, they went into the market and brought in Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis.

"Strengthening your team brings an impetus, a freshness and you get competition. Gerrard has got enough bodies out the door to say is there a budget for me, but it looks like there isn't the money there." (Daily Express)