The Rumour Mill: Sunday’s Scottish football news and gossip

Strachan in line to take up Scotland job

Fans and bookies favourite Gordon Strachan has had informal talks with the SFA in connection with the vacant Scotland job, and with the SFA looking to get their man in place before the February friendly against Estonia a deal could take place sooner rather than later. (Sunday Mail)

Charles Green hits out at Dundee United decision

Rangers chief executive Charles Green last night hit out at Dundee United for selling tickets directly to Rangers fans for their fifth-round Scottish Cup tie after the Ibrox side refused their allocation.

Green believes the decision could lead to crowd trouble. Rangers had urged United not to sell tickets to visiting supporters on safety grounds. But United confirmed they will sell tickets to any Rangers fan that wants to travel to the game.

Green said: “There are a number of issues, safety has to be paramount.” (Various)

Harry has eyes for Hooper

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to boost his struggling Premier League squad in the January transfer window, with Gary Hooper a likely target after failing to secure Nicolas Anelka. Redknapp said: “Dealing in the market in Scotland, albeit with the Parkhead club who don’t want or need to sell, would be simpler than trying to prise a player from English rivals.” (Various)

Coyle could have been a Celt

Owen Coyle has said Peter Lawwell made him an offer to take up the top job at Parkhead in 2009, saying Peter Lawwell approached him while he was manager at Burnley. The former Bolton boss is currently out of work, but says he has no regrest in his decision to turn down Celtic’s offer. He said: “I’ve never had regrets about anything in football. When you make those decisions you stand or fall by them.

“To say I was flattered is an understatement. Celtic were my team and always will be – but the kids were at a certain age and I was working in the best league in the world. That was a real challenge and I had to weigh everything up.” (The Sunday Mail)

Rangers move was all about the money for Dick Advocaat

Former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat has admitted he only moved to the Ibrox club in 1998 for the money. The Dutch man also revealed he was told he should get a flashier car. Advocaat said: “I went to Rangers purely for the money. I told David Murray I would like to drive a Mercedes E350 but he said the Rangers boss had to drive a Jaguar, Porsche or big fat Mercedes.” (Sunday Mail)

Fenlon hopes to take it easy in January

After last year’s hectic transfer window, the Hibs boss has talked about having a much calmer new year this season with loan extensions for Leigh Griffiths, Ryan McGivern and Claros his main priority.

Fenlon said: “Last January was hectic and I’m glad we don’t have to go through that again. We’ll see whether we can do anything. a lot will depend on where we get to with the three playes on loan.” (Various)

Scottish wonderkid signs extension at Real Madrid

16-year-old Jack Harper is the top scorer in Real Madrid’s under-17 team this season, and has been rewarded with a five year extension to his deal. A number of top English clubs were thought to be sniffing around the Scottish teenager with a view to snatching him up. Harper who is able to play for Spain or Scotland has committed his international future to Scotland to the delight of SFA bosses. (Sunday Mail)