The latest news and gossip from around Scottish football as Celtic continue to monitor transfer targets and Dundee United near a new head coach. 

Forster 'not keen on loan deal'

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has said that Fraser Forster does not want another loan to Celtic. He did not rule out the 32-year-old returning to Glasgow if a permanent deal can be agreed. According to the Scottish Sun a loan deal was agreed but Forster wanted a transfer deal sorted with Celtic having an option to buy.  Asked about the shot-stopper, the Southampton coach said: “We have not decided what we do next season with our plans in this direction. Of our loan players, some did a very good job and it’s also clear that loan players don’t want to go again on loan.

“Normally they want to go permanently somewhere and we will find the right solution for every player in the summer. When the right moment is to discuss it, then we do it.” (Scottish Sun)

Dundee United near new head coach 

Dundee United are close to appointing Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon as their new head coach. It comes 2 weeks after Robbie Neilson joined Hearts (Various)

Celtic should forget Joe Hart - Roy Baines

Roy Baines has urged Celtic to pursue a deal for Forster rather than free-agent Joe Hart. Speaking on Forster, the former Celtic keeper said: "I think 10 in a row is going to be magnificent if it comes, so they should push the boat out. I understand it might break the wage structure, but I think he did so well when he came in and Stevie Woods [Celtic's goalkeeping coach] thinks the world of him. And it will only take one season to get the 10. It's not a dead deal until the window is shut." (The Herald)

McCrorie to go out on loan

After sealing a new deal at Rangers, Robby McCrorie will go out on loan again in the coming season. The keeper signed a new contract with the Ibrox club until 2023. (Various)

Celtic keen on Benfica defender 

Celtic are interested in Benfica's Croatian defender Branimir Kalaica, but face stiff competition to land the 22-year-old. Watford and Leeds and also thought to be keen on the centre-back (Daily Mail)

Scottish Rugby hopeful of fans at games 

Scottish Rugby has submitted plans to the government to seek approval to accommodate 1,000 fans for next month's first meeting of Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors. Scottish Rugby and Celtic have previously worked together to try and safely ensure supporters' return to games. 

READ MORE: Rangers star Alfredo Morelos was a noticeable absentee in Castore kit launch

Bristol Rovers keen on former Hearts winger

Bristol Rovers are keen on former Hearts winger Sam Nicholson, who has just left Colorado Rapids. Nicholson was transferred to Colorado Rapids the following year and spent two years in Denver before agreeing to terminate his contract by mutual consent. (Scotsman)

Dembele 'may be sold for a reduced fee'

Moussa Dembele may be sold by Lyon for a reduced price, affecting any sell-on fee Celtic would receive. Lyon failed to qualify for Europe last season as Ligue 1 ended early due to the coronavirus crisis, with the transfer of the Frenchman a potential way to soften the blow of missing European football. (Daily Record)