The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football transfer news and gossip

Published on 22/06/2012 10:41

In today’s Rumour Mill: Rangers stars set to be snapped up; More SPL clubs to vote no to newco; Swansea striker considers Celtic switch; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Rangers latest

• Top Rangers players may walk free after claims that contracts have been switched to the newco without permission. That has sparked a surge of interest, with Southampton ready to swoop for Steven Davis, West Brom poised for Steven Naismith and Vancouver Rapids coming in for Carlos Bocanegra. Allan McGregor is also being monitored by several Premier League clubs and two top European sides. (Sun)

• Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert could make a move for McGregor and increase his Ibrox wages by offloading Shay Given. (Express)

• Two property developers have withdrawn their £11m bid for Rangers just 24 hours after setting out their offer, because they learned it would cost them three times as much as they previously believed. (Herald)

• Rangers have denied reports that chief executive Charles Green had looked into an alternative move for the club into English football through a potential purchase of League One outfit Bury. (Various)

Trio of SPL clubs to vote no to newco

• Vladimir Romanov insists the “newco” Rangers must not be allowed to inherit the Scottish Premier League share of the soon-to-be-liquidated Ibrox club at any price. In a typically frenzied statement, the Hearts owner condemned the recent owners of Rangers for leading them to what he believes was an inevitable demise. (Scotsman)

• Dundee United last night said they, too, would be voting “no” after a meeting with supporters. (Various)

• And today Aberdeen joined the opposition to a newco Rangers in the SPL, going public with their view that sporting integrity is key. (BBC)

• With Celtic and Hibs also expected to be in the “No” camp, it leaves Green’s hopes of securing the minimum 8-4 vote in favour of admission for newco Rangers hanging by a thread. (Various)

• Motherwell have said they will give the final say on the matter to members of the Well Society. (Record)

Dobbie wants Celtic move

Swansea striker Stephen Dobbie is open to a transfer to Celtic after it became clear he was surplus to requirements under new boss Michael Laudrup. The 29-year-old Scot is also being pursued by Blackpool, where he spent a successful loan spell last season, Middlesborough and Bristol City. (Record)

• Republic of Ireland international Keith Andrews has snubbed Celtic in favour of a move to Bolton. (Express)

• Celtic have confirmed Efrain Juarez has now completed his move to Club America in his native Mexico. (Various)

• Celtic will give goalkeeper Fraser Forster until the end of next week to provide an answer to his contract offer. (Mail)

McGlynn ‘honoured’ to be considered for Hearts post

John McGlynn has spoken of his “honour” at being in the frame to manage Hearts, but says he recognises that he is only one of a number of candidates currently in line to take over at Tynecastle. “To be in the frame for a job as big as the Hearts one is an honour, and it is good of them to consider me,” said the Raith Rovers boss yesterday. “They have chosen to speak to me, so it’s obvious that I am under consideration, but it’s not wise to make any assumptions.” (Scotsman)

• Steven Pressley has backed John McGlynn to be a success at Hearts. The Falkirk boss said: “He maybe does not carry the same charisma as some managers but there is plenty of substance. That’s the most important aspect.”

Hibs snap up Clancy

Hibernian have announced the signing of defender Tim Clancy after his contract at Motherwell expired. The 28-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Easter Road and becomes manager Pat Fenlon’s first summer signing. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Former Aberdeen striker Chris Maguire has ended his unhappy spell at Derby County by signing for Sheffield Wednesday. (Sun)

• Ayr have signed Livingston midfielder David Sinclair. (Sun)

• Airdrie have captured former Partick Thistle goalkeeper Kenny Arthur after he quit Grimsby Town. (Sun)

• Falkirk are looking for £265,000 from Bradford for Mark Stewart. (Sun)

• Inside Sport podcast: David Ferguson and Moira Gordon on Rangers, Hearts, Euro 2012 and the Scotland rugby tour