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

CHARLES Green denies Rangers June takeover bid from Brian Kennedy took place; Celtic eye up move for ex-Lyon defender John Mensah; Ki Sung-Yeung set to move to England; plus all the latest football transfer news and gossip

Charles Green denies receiving Rangers newco bid from Brian Kennedy

BRIAN Kennedy is in dispute with Rangers newco owner Charles Green over a £5.6 million bid allegedly made by Kennedy for 51 per cent of the club. Kennedy claims that talks were held with Green over a takeover of the club, and that a bid was “considered and rejected by the controlling investors in Sevco around June 27,” but Green has denied that such talks took place. Green also denied he was keen to sell the club.

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“For the avoidance of doubt, the owners and board of the club are not interested in selling a majority stake in Rangers to anyone. We’ve checked with all the official representatives of shareholders and none have had meetings with Brian Kennedy. He has not contacted any board members on this matter and we have never received any written offer from him.”

Kennedy said that the offer would stand for an “open-ended” period of time. (The Sun, Daily Mail)

John Mensah a smart move for Celtic

Celtic are weighing up an offer for centre-half John Mensah, who is a free agent after being released by French side Lyon. The Ghanaian international, who spent two seasons on loan at Sunderland, is believed to fit the bill for a Celtic defence that was shown up against Ajax in a 4-0 drubbing over the weekend. The 29-year-old is known to be willing to make the move, but his less-than-exemplary injury record may be a concern for Neil Lennon. (Daily Express)

Ki Sung-Yeung off to Rangers

Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung looks set for a move to QPR as he voiced his concerns over Rangers’ demotion from the SPL. Ki, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool, said that he was “worried” about the league becoming weaker with the removal of Rangers. The 23-year-old will likely command a fee of £7 million. (Daily Express)

Zaliukas happy for youngsters to take centre stage

Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas says that young players pushing for a place in the Tynecastle side will make the senior players fight harder to earn their spot. Zaliukas, who helped conduct the draw for the first round of the Scottish Cup yesterday, said that he was encouraged by the quality of the academy talent.

“With all the youngsters we have, they are pushing the senior players to work harder and harder. I’m second oldest in the squad [behind Andy Webster] and it’s quite hard to get my head around that idea. But the youngsters have been very impressive in training and are being treated the same as everyone else.”

Rangers newco latest

• Former Rangers player Andrew Shinnie says he was “lucky” to be have been released by Rangers last season. Shinnie, who now plays for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, said: “Ironically, I may have been the lucky one. It seems I got out in the nick of time. I always felt it was a good move for me to come to Inverness.” Shinnie added that he felt “sorry” for staff and players at Ibrox being caught up in the turmoil, but believed the club deserved to be punished. (Mail)

• Carlos Bocanegra could be the latest Rangers player to pass through the revolving door at Ibrox. German side Eintracht Frankfurt are believed to be interested in the American’s signature, and Eintracht coach Armin Veh confirmed that talks have already taken place. Dorin Goian may follow Bocanegra to Eintracht, though his agent insists that the Romanian will be ready to face Brechin City for Rangers’ Ramsdens Cup ti, adding that Goian was in no rush to leave the club. (The Sun, Mail)

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• Rangers fans will pay up to 50 per cent less for season tickets - once the club has secured SFA membership. Season tickets will be £65 for juveniles and £258 for adults. (The Sun)

IN BRIEF

• Kenny Miller will miss Scotland’s final World Cup qualifying warm up due to his move to the MLS. Miller, who secured a transfer to Vancouver Whitecaps, will be left out by Craig Levein, who believes Miller would benefit from being allowed to settle into his surroundings rather than make a 9,000 round trip.

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