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

Published on Thursday 20 January 2011 08:36

In today's Rumour Mill: Miller's Turkish move held up as Rangers reject first offer; Hearts defenders watched by English scouts; Everton striker set for Celtic loan; plus the rest of the day's news and gossip from the transfer market.

Rangers stall over Miller move

Rangers last night rejected a first bid from Bursaspor for striker Kenny Miller (pictured), as the player flew out to Turkey with his agent for signing talks. A 350,000 offer - plus further add-on clauses - was dismissed by chief executive Martin Bain, who is looking to get the best possible price as the club look to replace the 22-goal hitman. (Daily Mail)

• Meanwhile, Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish last night admitted he had no chance of matching the money which lured Kenny Miller to Turkey, and predicted the striker might only hack it for one year. McLeish said: "If it doesn't work out on the pitch, Kenny might think he'll be back in a year to finish his career in England in the Championship. He probably has that gameplan already." (Daily Record)

• Rangers have been linked with a move for striker David Healy on loan from Sunderland. The Northern Ireland veteran is looking for a new club after a short spell on loan at Championship side Doncaster and hopes to complete the switch to Glasgow before the window shuts.

Hearts duo attract English interest

Hearts defensive duo Marius Zaliukas and Ismael Bouzid have been targeted for January moves to England. Zaliukas has only just signed a permanent deal with the Jambos, but the Lithuanian has attracted the interest of several Championship clubs. Both players were watched by Leeds United and Sheffield United against Kilmarnock on Tuesday. (Daily Express)

Angry Kapo hits out at Celtic

Olivier Kapo last night accused Celtic of changing his contract, after the Frenchman left the club after just three months and just two appearances for Neil Lennon's side. Kapo has claimed on his own blog that he took the decision to quit the Hoops after they changed the terms of his contract offer. (The Scotsman)

Vaughan edges closer to Celtic loan move

Celtic have also initiated talks with Everton about bringing 22-year-old striker James Vaughan to Parkhead for the remainder of the season. (The Scotsman)

• Another player who could be heading to Parkhead is Levski Sofia forward Garra Dembele, whose agent told BBC Scotland last night that Celtic had made an offer for the 24-year-old. Dembele has scored 27 goals for the Bulgarian side this season. (The Scotsman)

• Heading in the other direction could be Marc Crosas, who has been told by Celtic that he can leave the club before the end of the month on loan. The out-of-favour Spaniard has attracted interest from Racing Santander in his homeland. (Daily Record)

• The latest player to be linked with Celtic is Danish midfielder Michael Silberbauer. The Parkhead club had been expected to make a bid at the beginning of the month, but Danish sources claim they have been back in touch with his club FC Utrecht in recent days. (Daily Express)

Petrie promises money to strengthen Hibs squad

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie insists club chiefs are "re-doubling their efforts" to help manager Colin Calderwood bolster his squad this month following their Scottish Cup exit to Irn-Bru Second Division side Ayr United. Addressing frustrated fans on the club's official website last night, Petrie said: "We will do what we have always done and continue to support the manager to the very limit of our resources in bringing new players to the club and shaping the squad the way he wants it." (The Scotsman)

Sammon in no rush to leave Killie

Conor Sammon insists he will only leave Kilmarnock during the January transfer window if the move suits him. The 16-goal striker spoke out after rejecting a 600,000 move to Championship side Scunthorpe. Sammon said: "Any move has got to be right for me... I felt it wasn't what I wanted. I'm back here and I'm looking forward to playing Dundee United." (Daily Record)

Adam ignores transfer talk

Blackpool captain Charlie Adam admits he wants to play "at the top of the tree" one day but insists he is not affected by ongoing speculation about his future. Adam has been linked with several clubs during the January transfer window, with the Seasiders rejecting bids of 2.5million and 3.5m for him from Aston Villa. (The Scotsman)

Stirling Albion ready to name Jocky Scott as new manager

Stirling Albion will unveil a new manager this morning after they parted company yesterday with John O'Neill and his assistant Roddy Grant following a run of poor results. It is believed that Jocky Scott is front-runner to take up the reins at Forthbank. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Inverness are reportedly interested in signing Raith Rovers striker Gregory Tade. The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and Caley could offer him a pre-contract deal this month.

• Kris Boyd will be given permission today to have talks with Ruud Gullit's Russian club, Terek Grozny, after the Scotland striker was told he could leave Middlesbrough.

• Kevin Phillips, the veteran striker linked with Celtic and Rangers, says he has been told by manager Alex McLeish he can leave Birmingham City.

• St Johnstone have joined Aberdeen and Hibernian in the fight to sign out-of-favour Norwich City midfielder Stephen Hughes on loan.

• Motherwell have confirmed Kenny Black as the new assistant manager at Fir Park. The 47-year-old, a former player with the Steelmen in the 1980s, will be No 2 to manager Stuart McCall.

• Airdrie United have signed 19-year-old former Dundee United defender Craig Hill following a successful trial.

• Scotland youth international defender Fraser Kerr has signed a professional contract with Birmingham City.

• Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has been appointed director of soccer at the reformed New York Cosmos.

• At-a-glance: January football transfers in Scotland

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