The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip

Rangers takeover

• Charles Green struck an £8.5million deal to buy Rangers on behalf of an international consortium yesterday, and immediately tried to allay fears over his time as chief executive of Sheffield United: “The fans there had a go at me because I wasn’t a ‘Blade’ and didn’t love the club. But I can make difficult decisions without wearing my heart on my sleeve. I’ve spent most of my life in the stock market. I’ve listed I don’t know how many companies, maybe 10 or 11, here and abroad. I’ve raised over £1billion in cash for those companies.” (Scotsman)

• Green said there are Rangers supporters in his consortium but is concerned fans may not be able to make the life-or-death decisions needed to save the club. (Record)

• Asked if he had been assured of his own position, Rangers manager McCoist answered: “Yes, I hope I was reading that conversation right anyway! Again, I will probably find out more in the next 48 hours.” (Scotsman)

• Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch revealed that Green popped his head around the door of the away dressing-room prior to yesterday’s match. “Charles Green came into the dressing room for two minutes before the game and introduced himself but that was about it,” said McCulloch. “He left and let the gaffer do his talk, but he seems really positive.” (Various)

• Green refused to rule out an approach to former Ibrox manager Graeme Souness to come on board with his consortium. (Mail)

Celtic ‘make £3m bid’

Celtic have already made a seven-figure bid for a player, manager Neil Lennon revealed yesterday: “I don’t think we’ll be complacent in that aspect. We bid for a player this week, in excess of £3 million, so already the wheels are in motion to bring in players early.” (Various)

• The player being targeted by Celtic is believed to be Rosenborg midfielder Markus Henriksen. (Record)

• The Celtic boss also said that he is determined to keep five-goal star Gary Hooper at the club, despite interest from Southampton. (Mail)

• Lennon will discuss his own position at the club with chief executive Peter Lawwell before the board’s next meeting on 25 May. “I will speak to Peter before then,” said Lennon, “and there’s nothing really to resolve, just a few things that need ironed out, that’s all.” (Various)

Fletcher frozen out

Scotland manager Craig Levein confirmed at the weekend that Wolves striker Steven Fletcher will not play for Scotland again while he remains in charge of the national team. While Fletcher has stated he would be interested in a return since infamously texting the SFA to say he did not want to be considered, Levein claims he has heard nothing from him and stated: “From now, I won’t be considering Steven for any friendlies or competitive matches.” (Various)

IN BRIEF

• St Johnstone skipper Jody Morris is still no nearer to sorting out his future after leaving McDiarmid Park yesterday. He also expressed some disappointment that he has not yet been offered a new deal by the Perth club. (Scotsman)