The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

In today’s Rumour Mill: Rangers administrators urged to name preferred bidder, Lennon to sit out Old Firm match and Gordon to enter Sunderland talks; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Rangers takeover latest

• Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy’s bid to take over Rangers has been described as “well-meaning” but unacceptable by Rangers administrators as they appeared to issue a warning to perspective buyers that they would only consider “definitive unconditional bids” for control of the stricken Ibrox club. (Scotsman)

• Prospective owners Bill Ng and Bill Miller have expressed their frustration with the pace of progress by the administrators in announcing a preferred bidder for the club with rumours that the Blue Knights could be about to again enter the running.

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• Rangers players could walk away from the club for free if the liquidation occurs at Ibrox and a new company is formed, confirmed PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart.

Celtic manager given two match ban

Neil Lennon has been banned from the touchline for two matches following his criticism of referee Willie Collum during the league cup final in which his side lost 1 - 0 to Kilmarnock. The ban means Lennon will sit in the stand when his side take on Rangers at Parkhead later this month. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen target two new additions

Dons boss Craig Brown says he is looking to bring in a “top quality striker” and “playmaker” when the transfer window reopens. The club are constrained on the cash front with £15m of debt and a new stadium to fund. (Record)

Gordon set to enter talks with Sunderland

Celtic summer signing target Craig Gordon is set to enter contract talks with Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill. The Tyneside club look set to let second-choice keeper Keiren Westwood go out on loan. The Black Cats paid Hearts £9m for Gordon five years ago but the keeper’s stint at the club has been hampered by injury. (Express)

IN BRIEF

• Celtic scouts are currently touring India as they bid to bring new young talent to Parkhead. It is understood three youngsters will be selected and brought back to Parkhead for a trial

• Jim Jefferies has offfered former Hearts striker Kevin Kyle the opportunity to train with Dunfermline

• Livingston midfielder Keaghan Jacobs has signed a two-year deal with the Almondvale club

• Aberdeen defender Clark Robertson has withdrawn from the Scotland Under-21 squad to face Italy due to a knee injury

• Birmingham’s Stephen Caldwell is out for the rest of the season due to a groin injury