The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Health of family made me quit Hearts - Stevenson

Ryan Stevenson says he walked out of Hearts after doctors warned him that the health of his unborn child was at risk due to the stress brought onto his wife by the club’s wage dispute.

Stevenson is effectively on strike over unpaid wages and is looking for a move in the January transfer window. (Record)

West Brom move for Allan

Dundee United midfielder Scott Allan looks set to move to West Brom in January with a fee of around £400K

reported to have been agreed for the 20-year-old.

However Rangers boss Ally McCoist has not given up hope of landing Allan with talks with the Tannadice club believed to be ongoing. (Various)

Scotland recall on cards for Fletcher

Craig Levein will watch Wolves striker Steven Fletcher in action during a tour of English clubs in January.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 16 goals in 23 starts this season, has not played for the national side since he

rejected a call-up for a friendly against Northern Ireland in the Carling Nations cup. (Scotsman)

Celtic trio approached for Team GB

Scott Brown, James Forrest and Adam Matthews have received formal invitations to join the Great Britain football squad for the London Olympics.

The SFA, which is against Scottish involvement in the team, said they had received notification that Brown may be involved but where unaware that Forrest was being considered. (Scotsman)

Lennon would have “no problem” with Boyd playing for Celtic

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says he would have no issue with former Rangers striker playing for the Parkhead side.

Boyd is seeking a new club after terminating his contract with Turkish side Eskisehirspor for non-payment of wages. (Scotsman)

• Eskisehirspor are reported to be targeting ex-Hibs winger Derek Riordan as a replacement for Boyd.

The 28-year-old’s agent has been in contact with the Turkish side after his contract was terminated with Chinese side Shaanxi Chanba by mutual consent. (Express)

Hibs boss Fenlon makes first signing

Free agent Eoin Doyle as become Hibs boss Pat Fenlon’s first signing has Hibernian manager after the striker signed an 18-month deal with the Easter Road club.

Hibs face a race against time if they are to complete the necessary paperwork in time for the Edinburgh Derby on January 2. (Scotsman)

Aluko critical of compliance officer

Rangers winger Sone Aluko has denied that he dived to win a penalty against Dunfermline three weeks ago and has questioned the SFA’s appointment of a compliance officer who has no direct experience of playing professional football. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings has lost his fight to avoid a two match ban following his clash with St Mirren midfielder Jim Goodwin

• Calum Murray has been announced as the referee for the Edinburgh Derby

• Wolves winger David Davis is keen to extend his loan stay with Inverness Caledonian Thistle

• Motherwell boss Stuart McCall says he fears losing Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Darren Randolph in the January transfer window

• Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill will assess fit-again Scotland keeper Craig Gordon before deciding whether or not to include him in a January clear-out at the Tyneside club