The Rumour Mill: Friday's football news and gossip

Published on Friday 13 May 2011 09:44

In today's Rumour Mill: Jelavic stokes speculation on a move south; Calderwood plays down Riordan absence; Celtic legend says Hearts should lose Euro spot; plus the rest of the day's football news and gossip.

• Jelavic has been a key man in Rangers' title push, but would the Ibrox club cash in on the Croat?

Jelavic: Man Utd want me for 13m

Nikica Jelavic last night backed up reports in the Croatian media linking him to Manchester United. The Rangers striker said: "I know United are interested. My agent has established contact with them but that's all I know. My agent has mentioned a figure of 13million and I came to Rangers for 4million so it would be a big gain for the club. However, I would only think of a transfer in the summer. I'm fine here and enjoying every moment." (Various)

Riordan's no show part of Hibs experiment

Colin Calderwood today reassured Hibs fans there was nothing sinister behind the non-appearance of top-scorer Derek Riordan against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The name of the striker was a glaring omission when Calderwood's side was announced at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, the 28-year-old not even among the seven substitutes. (Evening News)

Nicholas calls on Euro ban for Hearts

Celtic legend Charlie Nicholas has called for Hearts to be banned for Europe until they clean up Tynecastle. The columnist believes the Gorgie club should be stripped of their Europa League spot after a night of shame that saw Neil Lennon attack by a fan on the touchline. (Daily Express)

• Hearts defender Eggert Jonsson has won his appeal against the red card he was given against Rangers on Sunday.

End of the road for Hartley

Paul Hartley last night called time on his career as Aberdeen ended their captain's contract with a year left to run. Hartley said: "I feel the time is right to stop being a footballer. My body just doesn't have the same energy or power it used to." (Daily Record)

• Aberdeen trialist Isaac Osborne has been told he will have to return for pre-season training if he wants to win a contract at the club. (Daily Express)

Danny Lennon targets strike pair

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon has identified former Scotland striker Steven Thompson and highly rated Brechin City youngster Rory McAllister as he searches for more firepower. Former Dundee United and Rangers hitman Thompson has been freed by Burnley and could be persuaded to return north, while McAllister is also on the radar of Aberdeen after another prolific season in the Second Division. (Daily Express)

English talent on trial in Inverness

Terry Butcher will put 33 trialists from England through their paces today. The Inverness manager said: "It's radical, different... You could spend days and thousands of pounds crossing the country to see them individually. If we can get one or two signings out of it, I'll be ecstatic." (The Sun)

Dalglish commits to Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish has pledged to do his best to keep smiles on the faces of Liverpool fans for as long as he can after signing a three-year contract to become the club's manager on a permanent basis. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Jackie McNamara has been confirmed as manager of Partick Thistle on a permanent basis, with Simon Donnelly as his assistant.

• Former Kilmarnock boss Mixu Paatelainen has followed up his PFA Clydesdale Bank Manager of the Year award last week by being named manager of the year by Scottish football writers.

• Dundee have announced that they have formally come out of administration.

• Dundee United have opened talks to re-sign Willo Flood, who has been released by Tony Mowbray at Middlesborough.

• St Johnstone are set to sign Dundee striker Sean Higgins, who is out of contract and free to move for nothing. Saints have also handed Kevin Moon a new six-month contract.

• Raith Rovers will listen to offers for top scorer John Baird, after the striker told the Kirkcaldy club he wants to play at a higher level. Raith boss John McGlynn is understood to have signed Brian Graham from Morton.

• Jimmy Calderwood wants an answer from the Ross County board over his future by Sunday, but the Dingwall club have indicated they may open the manager's job to applications.

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