The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip

Celtic confirm Thompson departure

The Parkhead side have today formally confirmed that first team coach Alan Thompson has left the club.

A statement said that Thompson was informed of the decision to dispense with his services during a phone call with Neil Lennon.

The club say that Thompson had declined to a face-to-face meeting with the Celtic manager on Sunday. The former England cap has instructed his legal team to challenge the dismissal. (Scotsman)

Green ponders next move

Prospective Rangers owner Charles Green is considering negotiating with the SFA ahead of a new tribunal that could see the Ibrox side’s membership of the SFA terminated.

Rangers successfully appealed against the SFA tribunal’s initial decision to ban signings for a year in the civil courts.

The tribunal must now reconsider what punishment should be given to the club for non payment of taxes.

Little wants out of Ibrox

Rangers forward Andy Little has instructed his agent to find him a new club after running out of patience waiting for a new deal to be offered.

The out-of-contract star scored five goals in the closing stages of last season. (Record)

Soares freed by Stoke

Former Hibs loanee Tom Soares has been freed by Stoke City prompting speculation that he could return to Hibs where he spent the second half of last season on loan. (Record)

Murphy set for cut-price move

Daryl Murphy is set to join Ipswich on a knocked-down price after the Parkhead club signalled they would be willing to drop their £300,000 asking price down to a nominal fee or even a free transfer as they look to trim their wage bill.

Murphy cost £1.3m when he was signed in 2010 with the forward only scoring three goals in 21 appearances. (Record)

Gattuso keen on Rangers return

The agent of Rino Gattuso says he is watching the situation at Rangers closely as he looks to plot a move back to Ibrox for the Italian who has left AC Milan after 13 years.

Rangers were banned from signing players for 12 months by the SFA although the decision was overturned in the court of session. The SFA could now however impose tougher penalties including a ban from Scottish football. (Express)

Hearts taking legal advice over Wallace

Hearts are consulting their lawyers as they plot to recoup the £800,000 owed to them by Rangers for Lee Wallace. It is understood that under the current proposed CVA, Hearts would receive around £64,000. (Express)

IN BRIEF

• Veteran Scotland international Gary Naysmith has been released on a free transfer from Huddersfield

• Former Aberdeen striker Derek Wyness has joined Elgin on a one-year deal