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

Forster cites Lennon as reason for Celtic deal

Fraser Forster has said that Neil Lennon’s belief in him was the main reason he agreed to permanent deal at Celtic. The goalkeeper has signed a four-year deal after impressing during his lengthy loan spell from Newcastle. He said: “The manager’s faith in me means a lot... it’s just about me repaying him now.” (Sun)

• Celtic have been told they may have to offer up to £2.5million to land Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani. (Record)

• Celtic are trying to sign Mexican teenager Candido Ramirez from their feeder club Santos Laguna. (Sun)

• Blackpool could offer £1million for winger Paddy McCourt after having bids of around £500,000 and £750,000 knocked back. (Sun)

Rangers newco latest

• Steven Naismith is on the verge of a move to Everton this week after quitting Rangers for free. The Scotland striker was put through a medical at Goodison Park on Saturday and if terms can be agreed he could be an Everton player before the weekend. (Record)

• Walter Smith has criticised the SFA for their part in the Rangers crisis. The former Ibrox boss said: “There has been negligence on the part of the SFA in handling the overall situation. I don’t think Rangers want different treatment from anybody else. It’s just the whole thing has been so badly handled.” (Scotsman)

• Kyle Lafferty and Steven Whittaker became the latest Rangers refuseniks to find themselves new clubs when they sealed moves to FC Sion and Norwich City respectively. (Various)

• And Sion chief Christian Constantin has told Charles Green to forget about receiving any money for Lafferty. (Record)

• SFL chief executive David Longsmuir has denied trying to pressure his clubs into accepting Rangers into the First Division. He said: “All I want is for Scottish football to thrive and survive. That’s my main ambition.” (Sun)

• Stenhousemuir and Alloa are ready to make a formal request that tomorrow’s meeting to discuss a Rangers newco should be called off.

Kyle set for Pars move

Kevin Kyle will bid to resurrect his career with Dunfermline Athletic this week after Billy Brown’s departure from Hibernian ended the Edinburgh club’s hopes of a possible swoop for the former Hearts striker. Kyle said: “Jim (Jefferies) has been terrific throughout my career and I’m going to the Pars with Jim. I’ll hopefully get through pre-season and then see what options there are. Billy Brown also wanted me to go to Hibs but that is a no-go now after he left his position as assistant-manager there.” (Scotsman)

Murray favourite for Raith vacancy

Stark’s Park skipper Grant Murray is set to be appointed Raith Rovers player/manager in the coming days. The Fife outfit are keen to find a replacement for John McGlynn, who was appointed Hearts manager last week, as swiftly as possible with pre-season training already in full swing. Initial talks between the board and veteran skipper Murray have been very positive. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Former Celtic striker John Hartson has been appointed Wales assistant manager. (Various)

• Aberdeen are leading the race to sign Queen’s Park full-back Paul McGinn, 21, who has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Dundee United. (Record)

• Craig Dargo and Tony Wallace have turned down deals with Dumbarton. (Record)

• Partick Thistle midfielder Stuart Bannigan, 19, has signed a new deal with the club. (Sun)