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

Published on 26/07/2012 10:04

In today’s Rumour Mill: Rangers talks over SFA membership stall as Robbie Savage offers to play for free; Celtic star on Southampton’s radar; Hibs striker vows to be less stupid; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Rangers newco latest

• Rangers chief executive Charles Green’s optimism that he would secure an SFA licence for the club by close of business yesterday proved unfounded as unresolved issues with the Scottish Premier League continued to cast doubt over whether Ally McCoist’s side will be able to start the new season as scheduled this weekend. (Various)

• The SPL and SFL were last night close to agreeing a £1.2m deal with Sky for the rights to screen 45 Rangers matches over the next three seasons. (Record)

• Sone Aluko has joined Hull City after the Nigerian refused to allow his contract to transfer to the Rangers newco. He will be reunited with Steve Bruce, the man who gave him his debut in 2007 for Birmingham. (Various)

• Former Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor is in Turkey to try to seal a lucrative move to Besiktas. (Record)

• Robbie Savage has said he would be interested in playing for Rangers. The Welshman - who appeared in Strictly Come Dancing after quitting football last summer - said: “It would be a privilege to play for a great club like Rangers. I might be mad thinking I can, but if they are desperate for players, I’ll go up there and play for nothing.” (Sun)

• Former Hearts striker Kevin Kyle has also signalled his desire to play for Rangers. Kyle, currently on trial with St Johnstone, said: “I’ve asked my physio if he could get an agent pal to speak to Rangers for me.” (Record)

• Rangers coach Ian Durrant is backing teenagers Barrie McKay and Lewis Mcleod to star for the club in Division Three. (Various)

Southampton linked with Kayal

Southampton are understood to be plotting a move for Celtic star Beram Kayal in an effort to team him up with former Rangers captain Steven Davis. Saints boss Nigel Adkins - who recently failed with two bids to sign Gary Hooper - has identified the Israeli international as a transfer target and could test Celtic’s resolve with a £5m offer. (Sun)

Griffiths ‘to cut out stupidity’

Leigh Griffiths has promised Hibs fans that he will shake off his bad-boy image as he spearheads Pat Fenlon’s new-look Easter Road outfit. “The manager does not want me to take the passion away – you need a bit of fire – but you can’t be stupid like I was. Gesturing to fans or getting involved with referees – that has to stop.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Newly promoted Dundee are weighing up a move for former Rangers and Cardiff striker Steven McLean, who is a free agent after leaving Yeovil. (Sun)

• Dunfermline have completed the signing of former Hearts and Blackpool midfielder Stephen Husband on a two-year deal. He signs after impressing on trial in pre-season and becomes manager Jim Jefferies sixth signing of the summer. (Scotsman)

• Former Dunfermline goalkeeper Dorus de Vries could be set for a move to Liverpool. (Express)

• Inverness full-back Kenny Gillet has joined Cypriot club AEK Larnaca. (Record)

• Former Dundee United player Scott Robertson has failed to win a deal at Birminham City following a brief trial. (Record)

• Scotland international Robert Snodgrass has left Leeds United’s training camp after being given permission to speak to an un-named Barclays Premier League club, believed to be Norwich City. (Various)

• Peterhead have signed former Scotland striker Robbie Winters, 37, on a short-term deal. (Sun)

• Stranraer have signed centre-back Mark Staunton from Beith. (Record)