The Rumour Mill: Friday's football news and gossip

Published on Friday 23 July 2010 09:38

Celtic on verge of signing Maccabi Haifa midfielder; Hearts director wants to see Hartley return; O'Neill hints at move for McGeady; plus the rest of the day's movements and maneouverings from the tranfer market.

Celtic 'close to signing Israeli'

Celtic are said to be close to signing Israeli international Biram Kayal from Maccabi Haifa. The 22-year-old defensive midfielder (pictured above left, in action against Bayern Munich) will cost around 1.2million and both clubs have confirmed the deal is on. Kayal has made almost 100 appearances for Haifa and has Champions League experience. (various)

Hearts director wants Hartley back

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas today expressed his desire to lure Paul Hartley back to Tynecastle. Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, the Lithuanian revealed he is currently awaiting approval from the club's parent company, Ukio Bankas Investment Group, to proceed with the transfer. (Evening News)

O'Neill hints at potential Villa move for McGeady

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has given the clearest indication yet of his intention to sign Aiden McGeady from Celtic. As he confirmed the likelihood of James Milner leaving Villa to join Manchester City in a deal potentially worth more than 20 million, former Celtic manager O'Neill outlined his plans to re-invest some of the money in bringing in new faces. (Scotsman)

McCoist denies Brett Holman link

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist has admitted he is excited by Brett Holman - but despite speculation Down Under, he insists the Ibrox club are not close to signing the Australia striker. Rangers have arrived in the country ahead of the Sydney Festival of Football to find the local media have once again linked the 26-year-old with a move to Ibrox. Holman impressed during the recent World Cup in South Africa, scoring twice for the Socceroos against Ghana and Serbia. (Scotsman)

• The Daily Express reports that Holman wants to stay with Dutch club AZ Alkmaar for the new season.

Scunthorpe warn Hooper suitors

Scunthorpe United chairman Steve Wharton has told Celtic and other clubs interested in striker Gary Hooper they must substantially increase their offers for the 2.5m-rated 22-year-old. (Daily Express)

McArthur fees revealed

Hamilton Accies will receive about 500,000 up front for James McArthur, rising to 1.75m if the 22-year-old goes on to make a set number of appearances, after the midfielder's transfer to Wigan Athletic. (The Herald)

Motherwell chase Cardiff for Quinn money

Motherwell have demanded Cardiff settle a "substantial" overdue instalment of the transfer fee due for defender Paul Quinn. The 24-year-old made the move to Wales last summer for a fee reportedly in the region of 300,000 but an instalment due in January has still not been received, according to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club. (Scotsman)

Hearts run rule over Finnish cap

Hearts have taken Finland internationalist Kari Arkivuo on trial as they prepare to begin the new season without winger Andrew Driver. Driver is recuperating following a thigh operation, and with the new SPL season kicking off in three weeks' time, manager Jim Jefferies says the player's availability for the opening-day meeting with St Johnstone on 14 August is in doubt. (Scotsman)

Pressley move for Barnett scuppered

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley has confessed he would love to sign former Liverpool youngster Charlie Barnett - but does not currently have the finances to make a move. The 21-year-old has been on trial with the Bairns, but Pressley admitted: "We would need to manoeuvre a couple of things before we could make any move."

IN BRIEF

• Former Gretna keeper Greg Fleming, who spent last season on loan at Dunfermline, has been transfer-listed by Oldham Athletic. (Express)

• Cardiff are keen on signing Celtic defender Glenn Loovens, who may soon be surplus to requirements if Neil Lennon brings in a new centre-half. (Record)

• Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan has been given until tonight to make a decision on whether or not to join Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia. (Record)

• Ibrahima Camara, a 25-year-old Guinea international, has returned from his trial with Celtic and told Le Mans to expect a transfer offer from the Glasgow club for his services. (The Herald)

ELSEWHERE

• Newcastle manager Chris Hughton clinched a deal for former Everton midfielder Dan Gosling. (various)

• Manchester United are set to perform an amazing U-turn and offer Nemanja Vidic a new four-year deal worth 90,000 a week.

• Sven-Goran Eriksson would welcome the invitation to manage Fulham and is a leading candidate, along with Ottmar Hitzfeld, as the West London club digest the disappointment of their failure to prise Martin Jol from Ajax. (Guardian)

• Liverpool are hoping 48 hours of talks have persuaded Fernando Torres to stay at Anfield. (Star)

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