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

Published on 14/08/2012 10:56

In today’s Rumour Mill: Celtic midfielder attracts interest from Arsenal; Rangers take Frenchman and Brazilian on trial; Alejandro Bedoya aims to dump Celtic out of Europe; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Arsenal join race to sign Ki

Arsenal are involved in a four-way struggle to secure the signature of Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung. Athletico Madrid, QPR and Fulham are also interested in the South Korean international, and Celtic bosses are now expecting an offer in the region of £8.5m from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. (Sun)

• Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes is happy to be linked with Celtic but is refusing to be distracted by speculation over his future. (Record)

Rangers take pair on trial

Ally McCoist has taken Brazilian midfielder Andre Moritz and former France under-20 defender Sebastien Faure on trial. Both players trained at Murray Park yesterday morning, with Rangers saying left-sided Moritz had an Italian passport, would not need a work permit and would come as a free agent. (Various)

• Rangers have announced they have paid off money owed to Scottish clubs. Chief executive Charles Green said in a statement: “As of now, Rangers do not owe other Scottish clubs a penny.” (Various)

• Rangers pair Carlos Bocanegra and Dorin Goian have been dropped by USA and Romania respectively. (Various)

• Besiktas are confident they can secure an international transfer certificate for Allan McGregor. The SFA has refused to grant clearance as Rangers are demanding a £2m fee for the goalkeeper. (Express)

Bedoya vows revenge on Celtic

Alejandro Bedoya, who has joined Helsingborgs from Rangers, has vowed to knock Celtic out of the Champions League, citing vandalism to his car as one of the reasons for his determination. He told a Swedish newspaper: “I had my car damaged by Celtic fans but these things happen. I will be extra ready and have promised my old pals at Rangers to do one last thing for them by knocking Celtic out.” (Record)

Houston defends Black call-up

Peter Houston has defended Rangers midfielder Ian Black’s international call-up just days after Craig Levein had admitted it would be “difficult” for any player to step up to international football from the Third Division. (Scotsman)

Hibs linked with veteran Finnish-er

Veteran Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi has emerged as a surprise target for Hibs as boss Pat Fenlon seeks an experienced frontman to partner derby-day goalscorer Leigh Griffiths. (Evening News)

IN BRIEF

• Craig Beattie has said that he was sold on a move to St Johnstone by boss Steve Lomas after his unsuccessful attempt to win a deal with Rangers. (Record)

• Hearts winger David Templeton could receive a ban after aiming an off-the-ball kick at James McPake during the Edinburgh derby. (Record)

• Midfielder Ross Forbes is on the verge of joining Dunfermline after leaving Motherwell at the end of last season. (Express)

• Alloa boss Paul Hartley has signed former Celtic defender Jason Marr, 23, who spent last season at Clyde. (Express)