The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Rangers takeover

• Two new bidders, one of them described as being well known in both football and the Scottish community, have held detailed discussions with Rangers’ administrators since Bill Miller pulled out of the running to buy the ailing Ibrox club on Tuesday. (Scotsman)

• Joint administrator David Whitehouse revealed last night that they are now in discussions with as many as four interested parties. Two of these bidders have been described as coming “very late to the table”. Whitehouse added that they would be popular with the fans. “There is a Rangers connection there,” he said. (Various)

• And former Rangers manager Graeme Souness has been identified by two consortia as being central to their plans. Discredited owner Craig Whyte is set to clear the path for Souness’s return by selling his majority shareholding for £1. (Mail)

• Whitehouse also confirmed that former Ibrox director Paul Murray is not currently in the frame but discussions have opened again with Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy’s advisors. (Scotsman)

• A UK consortium fronted by a highly-respected Scottish businessman, dubbed the New Knights, will move in if Craig Whyte cannot settle a deal to sell his shares. (Sun)

Naismith pledges future to Rangers

Steven Naismith does not believe he has played his last game for Rangers, despite deepening concern over the club’s future. Asked if he believed he had played his last game for Rangers, the forward said: “I’ve not thought about it too much to be honest and, personally, I don’t think I have... I’m contracted to Rangers for the next three years and, if the circumstances don’t change then that’s where I’ll be. Definitely.” (Various)

Uncertainty over Sergio’s future

Hearts boss Paulo Sergio says he has no idea if owner Vladimir Romanov still wants him in charge. The Portuguese coach, who is in contract talks with the Tynecastle club, was asked about his future at the Clydesdale Bank Player of the Year awards ceremony. He replied: “I don’t know. Maybe they don’t want me too much.” (Mail)

• Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas said the club remain committed to keeping Sergio, but won’t announce a final decision until next month. (Evening News)

Killie boss in contention for Bournemouth vacancy

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels has attracted interest from big-spending League One side Bournemouth. The Northern Irishman is among the contenders for the vacant managerial position at the Cherries after guiding Killie to the League Cup. Shiels could leave for nothing as he is out of contract at the end of the season. (Express)

Wilson grateful for Celtic send-off

Celtic defender Mark Wilson has thanked manager Neil Lennon for allowing him to play for the club one last time. Wilson admitted he was humbled by the fans send-off: “It was a good reception because obviously I’ve never been one of the players to light the place up and get the crowd going. I’ve never been one of the form stars or favourites so it was a nice send off and I really appreciate it.” (Scotsman)

• Leicester City are preparing to make a move for Kelvin Wilson, who has struggled with form and injury since joining on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest last summer. (Mail)

IN BRIEF

• Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan has confirmed that he will play his last game for the club in Sunday’s final match of the season. He will focus on media work. (Mail)

• Southend United are preparing to sign Aberdeen defender Rory McArdle, who has been told he will be released at the end of the season. (Express)

• Ross County boss Derek Adams has offered contracts to 12 of his promotion-winning side, but he claims he will have to contend with one of the lowest budgets in the SPL. (Express)

• Inverness goalkeeper has said that he wants to stay at the Highland club. (Record)

• Steven Milne has signed a new one-year contract with Dundee. (Record)

• Veteran Mark McLaughlin quit Hamilton last night to join Morton boss Allan Moore’s rebuilding plans for the Greenock club, who axed 10 players yesterday. (Sun)