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

Peter Lawwell pleads with Celtic fans to cough up for season tickets

Peter Lawwell has asked for Celtic fans to demonstrate “collective unity” with the club and team by urging fans to buy season tickets in the wake of Rangers’ demotion to the Third Division. In open letter addressed to fans, Lawwell said that the club found themselves “on the verge of a new era”.

“More than ever, it is time to celebrate what we stand for,” said Lawwell. “We must do so with a collective unity between the supporters, the club and the team. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder and work together.”

Jim McInally savages Robbie move

Jim McInally has accused Robbie Savage of making a mockery out of Rangers by offering his services to the Ibrox club - a year after retiring from the game. McInally, a former Celtic player who now manages Brechin City, who Rangers are due to face in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup, said that a quote from former Kilmarnock player Stevie Murray summed up Savage’s skillset best.

“Robbie Savage? He couldn’t trap a beach ball in a telephone box.”

Allan McGregor seals Besiktas switch as Rangers newco firesale continues

Former Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was confirmed as a Besiktas player this morning after successfully undergoing a medical. The Scotland international has signed a two-year deal with the club. The deal will see him earn £18,000 a week. Speaking with his new club’s television channel, McGregor said “It’s a big club with a big tradition. Supposedly, they have great fans and a lot of noise in the stadium so I’m excited. I’ll just give my all.”

Jordan Rhodes won’t jump through Hoops to join Celtic

Celtic are understood to be tracking Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes. The Scotland Under-21 international has been tracked by Neil Lennon, but an asking prioce of £6 million may price him out of a move. Responding to the rumours, Rhodes said he was “flattered” by the interest, and admitted that a move to Celtic was a boyhood dream. However, Rhodes sought to pour cold water on the transfer talk, adding: “Would Celtic interest me? I’m not sure. I’m happy at Huddersfield.”

Celtic legend laments Old Firm absence

Billy McNeill has said that the absence of Old Firm matches this season will leave a “big hole”. Reminiscing about previous encounters in his Celtic heyday, McNeill said: “The relationship between the two clubs has always been quite interesting. You win a game and, for the victors? What a feeling that is. Fabulous.” (Daily Mail)

Derek Riordan fails to make the cut at MK Dons

MK Dons have neglected the chance to take on Derek Riordan after the former Hibernian and Celtic striker was deemed too unfit to be assessed by the club. Riordan, who travelled with the club on their pre-season tour in the Republic of ireland, was sent home after being too out of shape.

Rangers newco latest

• Rangers are due to discover today whether they will be granted SFA membership ahead of their tie against Brechin City on Sunday. If Rangers agree a deal on media rights and the dual contracts scandal with football chiefs, then they will be given the all-clear to sign Ian Black, who is understood to have agreed a four-year deal, as well as tie up deals for Craig Beattie and Andy Little. Ally McCoist is also understood to have opened talks with Neil Alexander over a new contract in the wake of Allan McGregor’s departure.

• Brechin City have hit out at Scottish football chiefs after accusing them of a lack of respect over whether their forthcoming tie with Rangers in the first round of the Ramsdens Cup will go ahead. Brechin, who are due to meet Rangers on Sunday, said that chiefs have virtually ignored the club as talks continue over Rangers’ SFA membership. “This is all down to the SFA and the SPL. And right now we have had no communication from the SFA and no communication from the SPL either,” said chairman Ken Ferguson. “It’s not at all satisfactory.” (Daily Mail)

• The Sun report that Rangers may be awarded an SFA licence to face Brechin City on Sunday - but one that would only last a day. The conditional licence would be given to allow Rangers to play the Ramsdens Cup match against Brechin while enabling football chiefs to thrash out a deal next week (The Sun)