The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Ashley in plan to rename Ibrox

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reported to be in negociations with Rangers as he looks to win the naming rights to Ibrox Stadium.

The proposed deal would see Ibrox being renamed after the Ashley’s retail firm Sports Direct.

The businessman is already Rangers’s merchandise partner. (Mail)

Green slams HMRC

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has hit out at HMRC for delaying the verdict of the Big Tax Case and effectivly forcing the club into administration and subsequent liquidation.

Green said the spectre of a £50m tax bill limited the club’s chances of achieving a CVA with creditors. (Express)

Celtic get back on track with victory over Hearts

Neil Lennon’s side recorded a convincing 4 - 0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle last night in a result that puts the Parkhead club back on track following a 1 - 0 home defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

• The match was marred by disturbances afterwards which saw seven fans arrested.

Hibs remian in title chase

Hibernian moved back into second spot in the SPL table last night following a 1 - 0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

The winner, scoted by Paul Cairney, came after Easter Road keeper Ben Williams saved a penalty from Nigel Hasselbaink. (Scotsman)

Green says SFL must act to avoid another Elgin fiasco

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has called on the SFL to take action to avoid another Elgin-type situation where the match had to be cancelled due to more tickets being sold that the ground could hold. (Scotsman)

Chances slim of Joe Jordan becoming next Scotland manager

Candidate for the Scotland job, Joe Jordan, is expected to rule himself out of the running for the position today when he formally commits to an assistant role with Queen’s Park Rangers. (Scotsman)

Kenny Shiels facing SFA charges

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels has been given two notices of complaint from Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny for vowing to report referee Euan Norris for remarks he allegedly made after a penalty was awarded to Inverness.

He also faces a notice for comments made to the media following the match. (Record)

Goian could be set for Rangers return

Dorin Goian could be set to return to Ibrox in January after a fall-out with Italian Serie B side Spezia where he is currently on loan,

The Romanian international was given a four match ban for pushing a referee and it is understood the Italians are considering sending him back to Glasgow. (Record)

‘Encouraging’ meeting held over league reorganisation

Members of the SFA’s proffesional game board were encouraged by a meeting on league reconstruction yesterday after the SPL and and SFL presented their plans on how the game shoudl progress. (Herald)

IN BRIEF

• Celtic midifelder Victor Wanyama is one of three players shortlisted for the African Player of the Year award

• UEFA is considering expanding the Champions League to 64 teams - which could mean up to five Scottish teams would feature

• Keeper Mark Brown has agreed a contract extension with Ross County until the end of the season

• Former Hamilton Accies coach Colin Miller has been appointed head coach of North American Soccer League side Edmonton

• Kilmarnock are monitoring Queens Park teenager Lawrence Shankland