Rangers eye international, Gordon on Celtic offer, Hearts & Hibs latest - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

The latest Scottish football news, transfer rumours, and gossip...

Jon McLaughlin (centre) and Craig Gordon (right) during a Scotland training session

Rangers eye McLaughlin

Rangers have been linked with a move for former Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin. The Scotland international is set to leave Sunderland despite being offere a new deal and the Gers are understood to be keen on recruiting the 32-year-old, although they face competition from Blackburn Rovers. (Football Insider)

Gordon hits out at Celtic as he confirms Hearts talks

Craig Gordon has confirmed he is in talks with Hearts about a return and admitted contract negotiations with Celtic have not gone well. The 37-year-old goalkeeper has been offered a two-year contract to go back to Tynecastle Park, a deal which would include the option of a further 12-month extension. He is out of contract at Parkhead and has held discussions about staying. However, he labelled the gap between his last Celtic and the proposed new one as “enormous” with claims he has been offered an 80 per cent cut in pay. (Evening News)

Weir in frame for Hearts role

David Weir is the front-runner for the sporting director role at Hearts, according to reports. The former Scotland defender, who turned out for Hearts in the late Nineties, was linked with the same role last year but could now be approached over succeeding Craig Levein at Tynecastle. (Daily Mail, print edition)

Hibs chief hopeful over cuts

Hibs chairman Ron Gordon is hopeful of reaching an agreement with players over proposed wage cuts at Easter Road. The American-based businessman also gave assurances that the cutbacks won't prevent Jack Ross from making new signings ahead of the new Scottish Premiership season starting in August as he outlined the financial challenges facing the club in an address to supporters. (The Scotsman)

Hibees tight-lipped on Boyle interest

Hibs have refused to be drawn on whether they have received any bids for Martin Boyle following reports linking the winger with a £1m move to Stoke City, with Huddersfield Town also said to be interested. Celtic were also linked with a move for Boyle in January with Neil Lennon known to be an admirer of the player following their time together in Leith. (Evening News)

Meppen fans in Stendel bid

Fans of the German club SV Meppen have launched an online petition to get Daniel Stendel appointed manager following his Hearts exit. A group of supporters want him to replace Christian Neidhart, who is expected to join Rot-Weiss Essen, and are urging the Meppen board to move quickly. (Evening News)

Lehmann wants Tannadice job

Arsenal and Germany legend Jens Lehmann has reportedly thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Dundee United managerial post following Robbie Neilson's return to Hearts. The former goalkeeper has coaching experience from his time at the Gunners and also with FC Augsburg in Germany but is keen to jump on the management ladder. (Evening Telegraph)

Jak joins Buddies

Goalkeeper Jak Alnwick has joined St Mirren on a two-year deal after leaving Rangers. The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Scunthorpe United and Blackpool, and joins the Buddies alongside fellow new signing Richard Tait and close friend Lee Hodson. (The Sun)

Merson: I was too scared to push through Rangers move

Former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has revealed he was desperate to join Rangers but despite the option coming up repeatedly, he"didn't have the balls" to put in a transfer request. The footballer-turned-pundit said: "[Walter] Smith was the manager, I was playing for Arsenal and I would have probably gone. That was a successful Rangers. It would have suited me. But if I’d put in a transfer request I’d have been terrified of George [Graham] and I would have sat in the reserves for four months." (Daily Record)

Hearts fans in banner protest

A banner calling for Robbie Neilson to be sacked just 24 hours after returning to Tynecastle. The message, which simply read "Neilson Out!" was tied to railings near the Gorgie club's stadium in an echo of the plane with the message "No style, no bottle, Neilson out" which flew over the arena during his last spell in charge. (Various)