Rumour Mill: Hibs | Rangers | Kilmarnock

Alan Stubbs is in talks with Hibs about the manager job; Rangers youth chief says recently departed Charlie Telfer is not good enough for first-team place at Rangers; Kilmarnock playmaker Alexei Eremenko is still waiting for his new contract and Gary Irvine signs deal with Dundee United.

Hibs manager hopeful Alan Stubbs played for Celtic for five years. Picture: PA

Alan Stubbs to be interviewed for Hibs job

Former Celtic defender Alan Stubbs has been identified by Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster as the ideal candidate to rebuild the club.

Hibs were last night granted permission to speak with 42-year-old Stubbs about the vacant manager’s job at Easter Road. Stubbs, currently Everton reserve-team manager, has experience in Scottish football with five years at Celtic between 1996 and 2001.

Mark Venus, who was Tony Mowbray’s assistant at Easter Road, remains the favourite for the job. Dumbarton manager and former Hibs captain Ian Murray has also been tipped for the position. Motherwell boss Stuart McCall, with whom Dempster enjoyed a good working relationship at Fir Park, has also been mentioned but it is unclear whether he would quit a Premiership for the Championship.

Former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has applied for the post, while John Collins was on Dempster’s wish list but it was revealed yesterday that Collins has taken up the position as Ronny Deila’s assistant at Celtic. Meanwhile, Antonio Tapia has applied for the job for the second time in seven months. The 54-year-old Spaniard guided Malaga to eighth place in La Liga in 2009. (Various)

Rangers chief blasts Charlie Telfer

Rangers youth chief Jim Sinclair has said that recently departed Charlie Telfer is not good enough for a starting place.

The 18-year-old quit Rangers after 10 years at the club in the hope of elevating his skills to Premiership football with Dundee United. But Sinclair said: “Charlie is a skillful footballer but he is not quite at a level for me, that would command a first-team place at Rangers.

“Charlie is a young player with potential. But that’s all it is - potential.”

Midfielder Telfer made one substitute appearance for the Light Blues last season, playing 22 minutes in a 4-0 win at Stenhousemuir in April. (The Sun)

Alexei Eremenko wants Kilmarnock contract

Kilmarnock playmaker Alexei Eremenko has said he wants to stay with the club and is at home in Finland’s Helsinki awaiting a new contract. The 31-year-old has had offers from Asia, Russia and offers from another Scottish club but the lines of communication with Kilmarnock have gone quiet. “Of course, if Celtic come asking I am going to consider it - I am not going to say no,” he said.

“Maybe Rangers as well - it’s a big club. But I am not going out there actively looking for other options because I like it at Kilmarnock.”

Killie chief Michael Johnston has already told Eremenko there will be a contract on the table.

“I know for a fact the chairman wants me stay, but I need a concrete offer. I want to see something on paper,” Eremenko said. (Daily Mail)

Gary Irvine signs new deal with Dundee

Full-back Gary Irvine has signed a new deal with Dundee United.

He has been offered a one-year extension after helping the Dark Blues to promotion to the Premiership. The former St Johnstone full-back, 29, has been with the Dens Park club since 2010. (The Sun)