Rumour Mill: Rangers bid | Celtic for Eoin Doyle

Eoin Doyle of Chesterfield scores a goal from the penalty spot during the FA Cup Third Round match between Scunthorpe United. Picture: Getty

Rangers bid: Robert Sarver denies Mike Ashley link

American banker Robert Sarver has moved to reassure Rangers supporters of the complete autonomy of his takeover bid for the Ibrox club after submitting a new and improved £20 million proposal to the embattled current board.

The 53-year-old felt it necessary to respond to online rumours linking him with both present and past Ibrox boardroom figures, including a supposed relationship with shareholder Mike Ashley.

A spokesman for Mr Sarver said: “To be very clear, Mr Sarver has never met or spoken to Mike Ashley, Sandy Easdale or James Easdale. And, for the complete avoidance of doubt, he has never met or spoken to Charles Green or Craig Whyte.” (Scotsman)

Felix Magath buys Rangers stake, outlines vision

Former Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath has bought a one per cent stake in Rangers. Magath is understood to be in dialogue with one of the groups vying for control at Rangers, and has a long-term goal of being installed as the club’s technical director by the summer.

The former Fulham manager also wants to significantly redraft Rangers’ squads, from the youth teams upwards, that will emulate the focus on youth utilised so successfully in the Bundesliga. (Daily Record)

Hearts bolster attack with Género Zeefuik loan

Hearts have announced the signing of former Netherland Under-21 striker Género Zeefuik, on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has been actively looking to bolster his attacking options and has taken the powerful 24-year-old on loan from FC Groningen, where he played in the same team as Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk.

A product of the prestigious Ajax academy, Zeefuik joined PSV Eindhoven in 2006, before being sent out on loan to FC Omniworld, Dordrecht and NAC Breda, before being sold to FC Groningen in summer 2012 for £500,000. (Scotsman)

Hamilton boss Alex Neil set to leave for Norwich

Alex Neil is expected to be named the new Norwich City manager today, with Hamilton Academical now turning their thoughts to finding a successor.

The Accies player/manager met the players yesterday to say his goodbyes after the Scottish Premiership club agreed a compensation deal with the Carrow Road outfit and the 33-year-old now expects to formalise personal terms today.

“Everybody is a bit flat and a bit disappointed,” said defender Mikey Devlin. “He has been an inspirational figure for everybody at the club and everybody had a great relationship with him. Everybody loved him here.” (Scotsman)

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Dave King wants Rangers EGM called

Dave King is expected to be call an EGM within the next 24 hours in the latest twist in the long-running power struggle at Rangers. The former club director, who owns a 14.6 per cent stake in Rangers, is resorting to the measure over suspicions that US tycoon Robert Sarver has connections to current board members, especially shareholder Mike Ashley.

Sarver last night denied any involvement with Ashley and any other board members, past or present. (Scottish Sun)

Kris Commons in talks over Bolton move

Bolton manager Neil Lennon is seeking to reunite with former player Kris Commons as the Englishman entered into talks to move down south.

Celtic are understood to be willing to let Kris Commons go because his contract expires in the summer. The club is looking to fetch a fee of around £1.5 million, but Bolton are expected to try haggle over that amount.

Lennon signed Commons for just £300,000 four years ago. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic bid to sign ex-Hibs striker Eoin Doyle

Eoin Doyle, the former Hibernian striker, could be set for a move back to Scotland with Celtic. The Parkhead club scouted the player, now plying his trade at Chesterfield, as he scored in an FA Cup tie against Scunthorpe on Tuesday.

Doyle has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, and has already attracted firm interest from Rotherham and Sheffield United, whose bids were rejected by his current employer.

Celtic would need to pay around £1.5 million to meet Chesterfield’s asking price. (Daily Record)

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