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

Published on 09/08/2012 09:35

In today’s Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist welcomes news that Mike Ashley wants to invest in Rangers; Charles Green seeks to tie up McCoist on new Rangers contract; Craig Beattie set to snub Rangers; plus all the rest of today’s football news and transfer gossip

McCoist would welcome Mike Ashley investment

Ally McCoist last night said he would welcome Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley as an investor in Rangers. Ashley, who has endured a turbulent relationship with Newcastle United fans since his takeover of the club in 2007, was in talks with Rangers chief executive Charles Green over a deal to sell replica shirts via Ashley’s Sports Direct retail chain.

“If Mike Ashley is interested in investing in Rangers, then the fact of the matter is he looks to be a very successful businessman,” said McCoist. “It would be great to have people of that pedigree contributing to the club moving foward... Our game against East Fife had to be delayed by 20 minutes to let the fans in, so you can see a lot of people have faith in the Rangers brand.” (Daily Mail)

The move received backing from Newcastle United fanzine editor Steve Wraith, who admitted he “wanted to string Mike Ashley up by the neck” just two years ago. “Newcastle are still in debt but we are in debt to Ashley and it is interest free... he has turned Newcastle around, that’s for sure, and I am convinced he could help Rangers become a commercial success.” (Daily Record)

McCoist on verge of new Rangers deal

The Daily Record reports that McCoist is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with the club, citing his relationship with Charles Green and the relative stability at Rangers. “The new owners were the only party that came up and put their money where their mouths were. So in that respect they deserve great support from us and from the Rangers fans,” McCoist said.

“I am a firm believer that the most important relationship at a club is between manager and chief executive. It’s early days but our relationship is growing and we each have a good appreciation of the other’s situation within the club.”

Craig Beattie likely to snub Rangers move

Former Hearts and Celtic striker Craig Beattie is unlikely to agree a deal with Rangers, Ally McCoist said yesterday. McCoist, who also expects Alejandro Bedoya and Maurice Edu to leave this summer, said Beattie may decide to pursue options in England after talks stalled with Rangers over money.


“I wouldn’t say it’s dead in the water but I don’t think it’s going to go through. We’ll look elsewhere.”

Kevin Kyle glad he defied doctors over retirement advice

New Rangers signing Kevin Kyle said that ‘dummy’ doctors were to blame for his 19-month spell on the sidelines. Kyle, speaking after making his debut against East Fife as a substitute, said he was glad not to have listened to medical advice on a series of groin, hip and hernia problems that some said would force the striker to take early retirement. “I never doubted I could [get fit and play again] but it’s hard when you’re sent to dummies who tell you you’ll never play football again,” said Kyle. (Mail)

In brief

• Wolves striker Steven Fletcher has lodged a transfer request with Wolves after the club knocked back a £12 million offer from Sunderland. The Scotland international took to Twitter to confirm the news, saying: “Just demanded a transfer request just to let the fans know where I am right now... head’s gone.” (Mail)

• New Rangers signing Francisco Sandaza spoke of his delight at signing for Rangers after waiting eight months to put pen to paper. The former St Johnstone striker, who signed a £1 million deal over four years, said: “I wanted to sign in January and it meant a lot that they wanted me then and also now. Now we start in the Third Division but Rangers is a big opportunity for me.”

• Ryan McGowan will snub Craig Levein’s offer of a Scotland cap after being named in the Australia squad to face Levein’s team next week. The Hearts defender added that he always intended to play for Australia, his country of birth.

• Kilmarnock have handed former Real Madrid youth player Borja Perez a trial. Perez, now 30, has also played for Valladolid and Alicante.