The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s football news and gossip

Lennon’s fears over Brown exit

Neil Lennon has admitted for the first time that he fears losing skipper Scott Brown if the influential midfielder does not come to an agreement with Celtic over a new deal after six months of wrangling. Lennon said that talks were currently at a “stalemate” over the agent’s commission, and, referring to the fact that Brown could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January, said: “I think other clubs will already know. I’m sure the agents will have made other clubs aware of it. But we’ll get a chance to speak to Scott when we have time and we’ll see where we are with it.” (Various)

• With Celtic having only managed to get their hands on three of the last 12 trophies on offer in Scotland over the past four years, manager Neil Lennon is well aware that he can’t take the Scottish Communities League Cup lightly. (Scotsman)

• Lennon also confirmed that he has taken 20-year-old Londoner Andre Blackman on a two-week trial after he liked “the cut” of the former Chelsea, Arsenal, Portsmouth and Bristol City left-back out of the game for a year with “issues”, but knew little of Swedish centre-back Alexander Milosevic’s interest in moving from AIK Stockholm. (Scotsman)

• Gary Hooper yesterday rejected the notion that Celtic’s current travails had him thinking of seeking pastures new. Essex-born Hooper has been linked with a move to Newcastle but, asked if he had thoughts of returning south, he said: “I’m happy up here, settled, have a house here, so I’m alright. I’m focusing on winning every game here and going from there.” (Scotsman)

McCoist looking for Sise to impress

Rangers manager Ally McCoist is expecting Swedish striker Joe Sise to impress during his trial at Murray Park this week. Rangers have also been linked with Lokomotiv Moscow striker Dimitry Sychev in the Russian media but he is valued at almost £3million, which makes Sise by far the preferred option for the Ibrox club. (Express)

Tynecastle redevelopment branded ‘unviable’

Hearts are preparing to take further steps to move away from Tynecastle following a report which concluded redevelopment of their historic home is “not a viable option”. (Scotsman)

• Former St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes has made Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson one of his first signing targets at Bristol City. The former Ayr United player is also believed to be attracting interest from a number of Championship sides. (Sun)

St Johnstone’s talks with Cook break down

St Johnstone are still seeking a new manager after talks with Sligo Rovers’ Paul Cook broke down. The SPL club’s chairman, Geoff Brown, said that they could not agree personal terms. Brown says the failure to agree terms was linked to the 44-year-old Englishman not wanting to uproot his family. (BBC)

IN BRIEF

• Aston Villa have confirmed they have suspended Scotland midfielder Barry Bannan while carrying out an inquiry after the midfielder was involved in a motorway car crash on Sunday morning.

• Former St Mirren striker Craig Dargo has joined Dundee on trial, after his initial plans to train with the Dens Park side last month were hampered by injury. (Sun)

• Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield will take the final step in his recovery from a brain seizure by playing in a bounce game against Dundee United on Monday. (Various)

• Scotland Under-21 striker Jordan Rhodes insists he will not switch his allegiance despite Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark warning that England could tempt the in-form 21-year-old with a senior call-up. (Record)

• East Fife have lost out in their bid to sign experienced defender Chris Innes, who is hoping to join a full-time club. (Record)

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