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

Published on 22/08/2012 11:56

In today’s Rumour Mill: Maurice Edu set to follow Dorin Goian out the exit door at Rangers as the Ibrox club draft in Sebastien Faure; Celtic in talks to sign Nigerian international Efe Ambrose; Motherwell still seeking James McFadden return; plus the rest of today’s transfer news and gossip

Rangers’ Dorin Goian loaned out to Italian second-tier side as Rangers sign former Lyon defender

Dorin Goian has left Rangers for Italian outfit Spezia Calcio on loan, according to the Daily Record. The Romanian international, who had initially said a move to Spezia would not appeal, has been moved on to the Serie B side for the next year. Rangers acted quickly to replace the defender with Sebastien Faure. Faure, a former Lyon player, has been capped by France at Under-20 level.

Maurice Edu looks set to follow Goian out the door as he spent last night in Ipswich finalising a £300,000 move. (Daily Record)

Celtic would be ‘dream move’ for Efe Ambrose as talks begin

Nigerian international Efe Ambrose hsa hinted that a move to Celtic would be a “dream move”. Ambrose, a defender who currently plies his trade in Israel with FC Ashdod, revealed that talks had begun between his club and the Parkhead outfit.

“My agent Dudu Dahan is negotiation with Celtic and I hope it works out well.

“All I can say is that I am praying about this dream move and I believe that God’s will will be done.” (The Sun)

Motherwell still seeking James McFadden reunion

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall remains hopeful that James McFadden can be convinced to sign a deal with the club. McFadden is currently a free agent after having being released by Everton, and is understood to prefer a move back to England. However, McFadden has been training with the Lanarkshire club and McCall hopes that the Scotland international can be convinced to return.

“It will come down to the club and him if we can get something sorted. But our conversation was very positive. James needs to play but whether that happens with Motherwell or not will be down to the board and James.” (Daily Express)

Christophe Berra fears Scotland axe

Christophe Berra is seeking a move away from Wolves to avoid falling out of favour with Craig Levein, the defender has revealed. Berra, who has been transfer listed after requesting a move away from the club, is no longer playing regular football, and fears it may cost him his place in forthcoming Scotland squads.

“I need to be playing regularly. There are just three weeks until the World Cup qualifiers start and I definitely want to be involved in them. We will have to wait and see what happens. I have a year left on my contract and the club will probably want to get some money from me.”

The 27-year-old has yet to receive a firm offer from another club. (Daily Record)

Derek Riordan doesn’t deserve troublemaker tag, says Ross County boss

Ross County manager Derek Adams has claimed that Derek Riordan does not deserve his bad reputation. Adams, who is chasing the former Celtic and Hibs player’s signature, says that he has dealt with “far worse”.

“People talk about problems, but I’ve dealt with far worse than Derek Riordan,” he said. “Our interest in him remains very much alive. He is an option we are keen to pursue and we are speaking to his agent.” (Daily Mail)

IN BRIEF

• Former Rangers striker David Healy has been prevented from re-signing for old club Preston - because fans didn’t want him back. The Northern Ireland international left Preston for rivals Leeds in 2004, something that Preston supporters have held a grudge against ever since. Manager Graham Westley said: “It would be the wrong thing to do.”

• New Hibs signing Shefki Kuqi has insisted he can do a job for Hibs despite admitting he lacks match fitness. The 35-year-old signed a one-year deal at Easter Road last week and made his debut against St Mirren on Saturday.

“It feels really good to be here at Hibs. The only doubt is that I’m not as match fit as I want to be and as ready as I want to be.”