Rumour Mill: Hearts| Inverness| Celtic| Rangers

Esmael Goncalves is a popular man. Picture: Robert Perry

Hearts bid close

The fans’ group looking to take control of Hearts say they could be ready to bid for the club by the end of this month.

The Foundation of Hearts say that a realistic bid could put them in control by next season, although the club’s tax bill is unlikely to be paid in time. (Scotsman)

Butcher brings trio

Inverness manager Terry Butcher has lured a further three faces to the Highlands, saying that his summer shopping list is almost complete.

Harry Hooman, Adam Evans, and Curtis Allen have now been added to the club’s books, taking the tally to seven. (Scotsman)

Whyte in trouble

Police are hunting former Rangers owner Craig Whyte after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The troubled tycoon failed to turn up at court in relation to the trial of two former staff he accused of stealing. (Scotsman)

Russell finishes Derby deal

Johnny Russell has finally completed his £700,000 move to Derby after a much-rumoured late bid from Celtic never happened.

The former Dundee United man agreed a deal last week but a mixture of medical tests and personal terms meant the move wasn’t finalised until now. (Daily Mail)

Dons want Goncalves

Aberdeen are testing the water for a loan deal to bring former St Mirren ace Esmael Goncalves to Pittodrie.

The Dons join Nottingham Forest, Rangers, and Swansea in the bid to land his signature after he scored 7 goals in 14 starts last year. (Sun)

• St Mirren must pay £400,000 if they want to make the expired loan deal permanent. (Daily Record)

Balde in talks

Amido Balde has landed in Glasgow to court Celtic, and the Portuguese striker has already been photographed draped in the team’s colours and kissing the club’s badge.

It is thought he is currently finishing a deal worth £1.5m, which would make him Celtic’s first signing of the summer. (Various)

Dundee knights in reverse

Dundee’s US investors are on the brink of backing out after finding out that they could wait another week before getting a response to their takeover bid.

The Texas-based group look set to move on as the proposal is still in the hands of Dundee’s lawyers. (Sun)

Spartans hopes

Spartans chairman Craig Graham is hopeful that a Lowland League proposal will go through today, which will give smaller clubs the chance to advance into the bigger game.

The plans go before the SFA AGM today and could see the structure in place for next season. (Sun)