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

Published on 20/07/2012 10:32

In today’s Rumour Mill: Leeds linked with highly-rated SPL pair; Napoli owner ‘wants to buy Rangers’; Neil Lennon playing waiting game over signings; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Leeds target Scots pair

Leeds United have been linked with a move for SPL pair Johnny Russell and David Templeton. Boss Neil Warnock sees Dundee United striker Russell and Hearts winger Templeton as possible replacements for Ross McCormack and Robert Snodgrass, who are expected to leave Elland Road. (Sun)

SFL in search for TV deal

The Scottish Football League clubs have instructed marketing giant IMG to invite bids from TV companies as they try to cash in on newco Rangers’ arrival in the bottom tier - assuming they are granted an SFA licence. It is understood that the package offered to broadcasters will have provision for screening games other than those involving Rangers but up to 25 live matches featuring the Ibrox club could be included. (Record)

Napoli owner ‘wants to buy Rangers’

Charles Green’s Sevco consortium could come under more pressure to give up their controlling interest in newco Rangers as it emerged that Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis wants to bid for the club, according to reports in the La Stampa newspaper. The multi-millionaire wants to see if his business plan can work with a foreign side after seeing Napoli perform well in the Champions League last season. (Express)

• Salim Kerkar has walked away from Rangers and looks set to sign for Charlton Athletic. (Express)

• Lord Carloway and Spartans chairman Craig Graham will be replaced if or when the SFA’s three-man Appellate Tribunal reconvenes to rule on a possible transfer ban for Rangers. (Herald)

Celtic signings on ice

Neil Lennon has admitted that he won’t be making any signings until Celtic know whether they are in the Champions League. They will find out this morning who their opponents are in the third qualifying round, and Lennon said: “We’re not in the group stages so we can’t speculate to accumulate on the transfer market.” (Record)

• Celtic are considering taking Sporting Lisbon striker Amido Balde on trial. (Herald)

McFadden on the hunt for new club

James McFadden is desperate to find the right club as reports ciruclated yesterday about a possible renewed move to Celtic for the former Everton striker. He said: “It has to be the right club for me. This is a big year because I’ve been out of the game for the past two, basically. It has to be somewhere I’m going to play and enjoy it. I’m ready to play. I need games to get match fit but I feel fine. I just need someone to give me a contract. I’ve had a couple of offers but none that have been good enough so I’ll just wait it out and see what I get.” (Scotsman)

McGlynn hopeful of Hearts arrivals

Despite the continued uncertainty around Scottish football, Hearts manager John McGlynn is still determined to pursue his striking targets. He said: “The striking department is still a priority. We’re looking to bring someone in but things take time and you must be patient.” (Record)

Buy 3000 more season tickets, Hibs chairman pleads

Chairman Rod Petrie has pleaded with Hibernian supporters to buy 3,000 more season tickets amid warnings of 
“significant” losses to the Edinburgh club following the demise of Rangers. The “newco” version of 
the Glasgow outfit was last week banished to the Third Division, a move which the Easter Road chairman predicts could hit Hibs harder than many of their rivals as manager Pat Fenlon seeks to rebuild his playing squad. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Ross County’s Victoria Park will be renamed the Global Energy Stadium after £1.7m of improvements for the SPL. (Express)

• Former Everton defender Gary Naysmith has joined up with Aberdeen in Germany in the hope of winning a contract. (Sun)