Scottish gossip: Miller, Schmeichel, Kimpioka, Olaru, MacLeod, Henderson

Empoli midfielder Liam Henderson is hoping to remain in Italy beyond next summer, although no extension to his current contract has yet been dished out despite the Scottish 28-year-old’s 14 appearances for the Serie A side this season. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Scotland Under-19 winger Rory MacLeod is hoping to make his loan transfer from Dundee United to Southampton permanent as the 18-year-old believes it has been a step up in his career, with the Premier League club having two options to buy – one in January and one in the summer. (The Courier), external

Dundee managing director John Nelms says the Premiership club could net a further windfall in the future from 17-year-old centre-half Seb Lochhead’s August transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £300,000. (The Scotsman), external

Hibernian are poised to recall Rory Whittaker from Spartans in January as they fear a lack of game time for the League 2 side is hampering the 17-year-old right-back’s development. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

An American-based consortium is looking to buy Dunfermline Athletic, with talks at an advanced stage for a seven-figure purchase of the Scottish Championship club from German current owner DAFC Fussball GmbH. (Daily Record), external

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin believes qualifying for European football again is key in the Premiership club’s bid to pose a long-term challenge at the top of the Scottish game. (Daily Record), external