Rumour Mill: Wanyama | Hearts | Levein

Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. Picture: SNS

SPL demand Hearts finances inquiry

Four SPL clubs have written to the SFA demanding “clarification” on the extent of Hearts’ financial plight as suspicions have been raised that a cover-up has been orchestrated at Tynecastle in order to avoid relegation.

It has been suggested that Hearts are delaying the announcement of their entry into administration until after the end of this season.

Hearts maintain that the collapse of Ukio Bankas does not necessarily affect the holding company, UBIG. (The Sun)

Victor Wanyama: Celtic can do a Dortmund

Victor Wanyama has claimed that Celtic can emulate Borussia Dortmund and become the first Scottish club to surpass the last-16 of the Champions League.

“Look at a club like Dortmund,” Wanyama said. “Borussia Dortmund have come from nowhere and they are a big club now. If we work hard and stick together we can also be like Dortmund, a top club.”

He added: “I believe we can go beyond the last 16 in the Champions League. We were close to doing that but we had a little bit of a problem playing as a team in the knockout stage for the first time. We have learned from our mistakes and next time I believe we can now do better.” (The Herald, Daily Record)

Michael Stewart: ‘Dictator’ Craig Levein wanted ‘robots’

Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart has slammed Craig Levein for being a “dictator” who only wanted “robots” to play for his team. Stewart recalled his time under the former Scotland manager while the pair worked together at Tynecastle.

He also laid into the ex-Dundee United manager for being “sleekit”.

“I had issues with Levein, who is not a particularly nice individual. I’d say he’s sleekit.

“One episode sticks out. I played in a European game and got man of the match and a few days later I went to see him.

“He went nuts and said ‘What are you even doing here? You’ve done sod all for me and I have got guys in that dressing room who have grafted their balls off.

“I didn’t even have a clue what he was talking about but said I was used to dealing with managers with all types of approaches and that he should just tell me what he wanted.

“He said he didn’t hold grudges and the next day we were playing Hibs at Tynecastle.” (The Sun)

Jon Daly strikes deal to join Rangers

Jon Daly will become Rangers’ next acquisition after the Dundee United captain agreed a move to Glasgow. The Tannadice captain had attracted interest from League One side MK Dons and Hibernian, but the 30-year-old has all but agreed to a move to Ally McCoist’s side. Expected to sign officially in a few days, Daly has played regularly as both a forward and a centre-back for United. Despite being deployed as a defender for much of the season, the Irishman has notched 15 goals this season. (The Sun)

Hearts to make bid for Kris Boyd

Gary Locke has made Kris Boyd’s signature one of his top priorities, according to The Sun. Boyd rejoined Kilmarnock after underwhelming spells at Middlesbrough, Eskişehirspor, Nottingham Forest and MLS side Portland Timbers, but would be open to a move to Tynecastle.

Uncertainty lies in whether Hearts can afford the record-breaking striker, and they also face a wait on whether their signing embargo will be overturned. (The Sun)

Carlos Bocanegra set to leave Rangers

Carlos Bocanegra looks set to move away from Rangers as offers from the US and England will likely emerge for the US international. Bocanegra has spent the last season playing in Spain with second division outfit Racing Santander, and is being frozen out of the international team by Jurgen Klinsmann. (The Herald)

Rumour Mill: Wanyama | Hearts | Levein | Rangers