The Rumour Mill: Wednesday's football news and transfer gossip

Published on Wednesday 18 August 2010 10:33

Jelavic saga far from settled; Motherwell furious with big-spending Cardiff; Stuttgart join race for Weiss; plus the rest of the day's news and gossip from the transfer market.

Jelavic saga to rumble on

Rapid Vienna last night insisted they would only sell Nikica Jelavic (pictured) to Rangers after their Europa League play-off with Aston Villa - meaning the saga could run until the end of the transfer window. (Various)

Cardiff face threat of legal action from Motherwell

Motherwell have threatened Cardiff City with a winding-up order as they rained on the Welsh club's parade of Craig Bellamy as the highest profile signing in their history. A couple of hours before Bellamy was presented at a media conference by Cardiff, having spurned Celtic's advances to sign for his hometown side on a season long-loan from Manchester City, Motherwell revealed they have instigated legal proceedings for overdue payment of the fee agreed for the transfer of Paul Quinn between the clubs more than a year ago. (The Scotsman)

Antonov says no Rangers contact has been made

Controversial Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov has played down suggestions he is poised to become the saviour of Rangers. A source close to the tycoon - a banker with apparently large cash reserves - admitted he is looking at investing in "a football asset in Britain". He made clear, however, that there were no negotiations underway with the Glasgow club. "Speaking generally, it is just an idea as yet, but such an idea does exist," the source told Kommersant, a Moscow newspaper. (The Scotsman)

Stuttgart enter race for Weiss

Stuttgart boss Fredi Bobic last night vowed to slug it out with Celtic for Manchester City loan signing Vladimir Weiss. The 20-year-old Slovakian has been targeted as a potential replacement for Aiden McGeady by Celtic boss Neil Lennon, but Stuttgart believe they can snare him after putting an offer on the table. (Daily Express)

No Russian move for Gow

Alan Gow's hopes of following Aiden McGeady to Russia came to an abrupt end last night, after a gruelling trip and a trial game with Krylia Sovetov. Coach Alexander Tarkhanov said: "Unfortunately, with such a level of technical skills, the Scottish player is not going to help us achieve our aims." (Daily Mail)

Hearts to make Driver top earner

Hearts are in talks to make Andy Driver the highest-paid player in their history, with a new contract that will also protect their right to a fee. Talks have started about a deal that would run until summer 2013, and the club seem willing to offer over 12,000 per week to Driver, safe in the knowledge that if the player does sign, it will mean they can ask a big fee if there's future interest. (Daily Mail)

Smith runs rule over trialists

Walter Smith cast an eye over three potential signings yesterday in a bounce game against Partick Thistle. Honduran Georgie Welcome and Dutch duo Nacer Bazarite and Etienne Esajas were closely monitored, but no final decision will be taken for a few days as the Jelavic saga continues. (Daily Express)

Kamikaze' spending riles Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has accused some of Manchester United's rivals of going on a "kamikaze" spending spree. Ferguson did not mention any club by name. However, given Manchester City unveiled their latest big-money capture, Mario Balotelli, barely an hour before the United manager spoke, and confirmed James Milner is on the verge of completing his switch from Aston Villa, it was easy to work out where the finger was being pointed. "Over the last two or three years we have seen very wealthy owners become part of football clubs and therefore go on this kamikaze effort to spend their money," he said. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Dundee United have told striking trio Francisco Sandaza, Danny Cadamarteri and Jeno Myrie-Williams that they can leave Tannadice. (Daily Record)

• Celtic defender Darren O'Dea has completed his loan move to Ipswich, and will stay at Roy Keane's Championship side until January 17.

• St Mirren have taken former Grimsby midfielder Nick Hegarty on trial. (Mail)

ELSEWHERE

• Werder Bremen have confirmed Germany's World Cup star Mesut Ozil has joined Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around 12million. (Various)

• Liverpool have announced defender Martin Skrtel has signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the Anfield club until 2014. (Various)

• Manchester City will pay 2.5million to wash their hands of Craig Bellamy - and they have told axed keeper Shay Given he can go, too. (Mail)

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