The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Rangers takeover

• Charles Green emerged from meetings with the SFA and SPL at Hampden yesterday to reiterate his intent to plough on with a takeover of Rangers despite confirmation of a transfer embargo – although he revealed the club were still assessing a possible challenge to the sanctions. (Scotsman)

• Green admits that only “five or six” investors have put cash into his 20-strong constortium but insists he has already raised £20million. (Record)

• A Rangers fan group last night appealed to Allan McGregor, Lee Wallace and Steven Whittaker to pull out of the Scotland squad for the friendly against the USA in protest against the SFA sanctions on the club. (Record)

• SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has warned Rangers not to expect special treatment. The league bosses meet at Hampden on May 30 to vote on changing the rules on financial fair play. (Sun)

Cup final countdown

• Hearts boss Paulo Sergio revealed yesterday he had selected his team for tomorrow’s William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hibernian but admitted that even he doesn’t know yet if Craig Beattie will be in it as the striker battles to prove his fitness. (Scotsman)

• Hibs manager Pat Fenlon has told his side to focus on one game rather than 110 years of history: “It’s my first attempt to get through the Scottish Cup and we’ve got to the final at the first attempt. It gives us a great opportunity. We’re 90 minutes from ending that but there’s a big obstacle in front of us.” (Scotsman)

• Sergio says Hibs are wasting their time with mind games after Easter Road midfielder Lewis Stevenson’s assertion that all the pressure was on Hearts. (Various)

Celtic’s move for Mills hangs in the balance

If Celtic are to be successful in landing Leicester City defender Matt Mills, they will have to rely on the English club’s Thai owners letting their £5million signing go for free. It is understood that Celtic are only prepared to offer Kelvin Wilson as a straight swap for the transfer-listed 25-year-old. (Sun)

Seagulls swoop for Swanson

Brighton are in talks with out-of-contract Dundee United player Danny Swanson’s representatives over a move to the Championship. Hibs and Aberdeen are also interested in the 25-year-old winger but he would prefer a move south. (Express)

• Meanwhile, another player leaving Tannadice, goalkeeper Dusan Pernis, wants to stay in the UK. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen boss Craig Brown has asked Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson for loan players for next season. (Record)

• Motherwell have offered new deals to Tim Clancy, Stevie Hammell, Steve Jennings and Keith Lasley. (Herald)

• Goalkeeper Ryan Essen has signed a new two-year contract at Inverness. (Herald)