The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Hearts crisis deepens

• Hearts have reportedly told their top players to find new clubs amid a crippling cash crisis. David Templeton has been offered to Rangers for a cut-price £500,000, while offers will also be accepted for players including Ryan Stevenson, Ian Black, Andrew Driver, John Sutton and Marius Zaliukas. (Sun)

• The Scottish Premier League will be dragged into the on-going battle over unpaid wages at Hearts if the salaries are not paid in full tomorrow. Hearts players have revealed that a letter of complaint has been drawn up by PFA Scotland and is expected to be lodged with authorities on their behalf if the outstanding monies are not in their accounts before the weekend. (Scotsman)

• Former Hearts star Paul Hartley believes one option for the current players is to go on strike. (Sun)

St Johnstone confirm Steve Lomas as manager

St Johnstone have confirmed Steve Lomas as their new manager. The former Northern Ireland midfielder has been appointed as successor to Derek McInnes, who last month left the Clydesdale Bank Premier League club for Bristol City. Chairman Geoff Brown also announced he was stepping down and is handed control to his son, Steve. (Various)

Lennon denies rift in dressing room

Neil Lennon has laughed off rumours of a bust-up in the Celtic dressing room as Kris Commons turned up for training in a fake neck brace, head bandage and plaster across his nose. Lennon said: “The Commons story was hilarious. That’s why we made a joke of it this morning. There has never been a problem between myself and Kris. I’m bored of repeating myself on that.” (Record)

• Lennon also tried to make light of the side’s injury list, with Mark Wilson set for a season out after a recurrence of his knee problem. “You’re going to run out of tape,” said Lennon as he sat down with reporters, “because it’s like a scene from M*A*S*H in our treatment room.” (Scotsman)

• Rennes head coach Frederic Antonetti has urged his team to seize the opportunity of deepening Celtic’s woes on what he hopes will be a memorable Europa League night at Parkhead. Antonetti said: “Celtic is a big name on the European stage, so it’s a massive challenge. We’re not going to just turn up and watch them play. We’re going to come here and try to win the game.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Fulham striker Lauri Dalla Valle has suggested that he is willing to extend his loan at Dundee United beyond January. (Various)

• Kilmarnock midfielder David Silva is hoping to sign a new contract, with his present one expiring in the summer. (Express)

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