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

Published on 06/08/2012 10:40

In today’s Rumour Mill: Craig Beattie holds out on Rangers contract as Fran Sandaza enters talks with newco; Peter Houston won’t let young stars go on the cheap; Motherwell probed by Uefa; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Beattie and Sandaza in talks with Rangers

Craig Beattie is holding out for an increased contract offer before he commits to Rangers. The ex-Hearts striker turned down a deal from Ally McCoist because it was less than what was on offer from League One side Notts County, but both sides remain confident an agreement can be reached for the striker to play for Rangers in the Third Division. (Express)

• Rangers have also offered former St Johnstone striker Fran Sandaza a three-year deal. The Spaniard isn’t keen on Third Division football and also has an offer from a Belgian club, but will fly in for talks with the Ibrox club this week. (Sun / Express)

• Other options for Ally McCoist include former Kilmarnock and Hearts striker Kevin Kyle, who is on trial at Ibrox

Rangers fans angry over probe firm

Rangers fans have reacted angrily to the news that Harper MacLeod, who they allege have links to bitter rivals Celtic, will be investigating claims against the club. The Scottish Premier League have commissioned the Glasgow-based legal advisors to probe the use of dual contracts by previous owners of the embattled Ibrox club. (Scotsman)

Houston confident of keeping star duo

Dundee United boss Peter Houston is adamant that star duo Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven won’t leave Tannadice any time soon, after watching them combine to devastating effect in the 3-0 win against Hibernian. The United boss said: ”They want to stay, they want to learn their trade here. If they pay the right money, they’ll go, but they’ll not get away for cheap.” (BBC)

Motherwell face Uefa probe

Motherwell face an investigation after streamer paper was thrown on to the field during their Champions League clash with Panathinaikos last week. Uefa have confirmed that a delegate at the match recorded the alleged missile-throwing in his match report. (Express)

Fenlon secures Deegan signing

Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon has signed Irish midfielder Gary Deegan from Coventry, a player who helped him to two League of Ireland titles at Bohemians. The 24-year-old has joined on a one-year deal to become Hibernian’s sixth summer signing. 
Fenlon has been trying to sign the player since becoming Hibs 
manager in November. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Former Celtic left-back Danny Fox, now at Southampton, will earn a recall to the Scotland squad for next week’s friendly with Australia. (Scotsman)