The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip

Published on 30/04/2012 12:45

In today’s Rumour Mill: The latest on the Rangers takeover as the SPL prepare to vote on financial fair play penalties; Celtic could be priced out of move for Burnley striker; Ian Black to leave Hearts; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Rangers takeover

• The Blue Knights and Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy have confirmed they have submitted a “revised bid” for Rangers with administrators Duff and Phelps. Kennedy’s spokesman said: “Brian Kennedy has asked me to advise you all that a revised bid has been submitted to the administrators.” (Various)

• Celtic manager Neil Lennon insists his Rangers counterpart, Ally McCoist, is wrong to claim the Old Firm should be treated as special cases by the Scottish football authorities because of their disproportionately large commercial value to the sport in this country. “I understand Ally’s point to a certain extent, but if you have flouted the laws in the capacity they have, then I would imagine the powers-that-be will punish you accordingly.” (Scotsman)

• McCoist reacted by saying he does not believe Rangers should receive special treatment. “I think we should receive a justified punishment if they see it that way,” he said, but added: “[A punishment on Rangers] could possibly also hurt Scottish football just as much if not more.” (Sun)

• McCoist has emphasised that the takeover deal needs to be resolved quickly. “It’s showtime. We have to get something sorted out very soon as time is not an ally,” he said. (Sun)

• Celtic winger Kris Commons says he would be “devastated” if Rangers dropped out of the SPL. (Record)

• The Scottish Premier League clubs will meet at Hampden today to vote on proposed new regulations which would be applied to clubs which suffer insolvency events. (Various)

Celtic face competition for Rodriguez

A host of English clubs have joined the race for Celtic target Jay Rodriguez, a 22-year-old striker currently with Burnley. The Championship club are looking for around £3m for the 15-goal hitman, but Newcastle, Fulham, Norwich, Bolton and Southampton are also interested. (Record)

• Other reports, however, suggest Burnley could demand £8m for the striker. (Express)

Hearts to release Black

Despite playing a central part in Hearts’ season to date, midfielder Ian Black will be released by the Edinburgh club when his contract expires at the end of the campaign. Hearts have informed Black that they will not utilise an option to extend his deal by another 12 months. (Evening News)

Hibs concerned by O’Connor injury

Hibs were today in a sweat over the fitness of top scorer Garry O’Connor ahead of Wednesday’s crucial clash against Aberdeen in their increasingly desperate battle to beat the drop. He missed yesterday’s defeat by St Mirren through illness as Hibs’ lead over the Pars was cut to just three points. (Evening News)

Hodgson approached over England job

Roy Hodgson will become the new England manager after it was confirmed the Football Association had been granted permission to speak with the West Brom manager last night. “Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio Capello’s departure,” said FA chairman David Bernstein. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Darren Mackie is looking for a new club after it was confirmed he would not be offered a new contract by Aberdeen. (Express)

• Former Celtic player is being lined up for the Wolves manager’s job after he guided Swindon to the League Two title. (Sun)

• Derby and Bristol City have been linked with Dundee United full-back Paul Dixon, who will be out of contract at the end of the season. (Express)