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

Murphy on Rangers radar

Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy is on a list of targets for Rangers boss Ally McCoist. The former Scotland under-21 cap is among a number of names identified by McCoist and his scouting staff, and exhibits the club’s intent to have free agents in place to coincide with the end of their registration embargo. Murphy’s Fir Park deal expires at the end of this season so he will be able to hold talks with other clubs within five weeks. Hearts’ Ryan McGowan, who previously turned down a move to Ibrox, is another name under consideration. (Mail on Sunday)

Hibs eye Kenny Miller loan

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon is open to the idea of former striker Kenny Miller returning to Easter Road. The Scotland international is with Vancouver Whitecaps but has failed to set North America’s Major League Soccer alight since joining the Canadian side midway through the season and it is understood he is keen to engineer a move back to the club where he first made his name. (Scotland on Sunday)

Redknapp to allow Jordan to decide on Scotland job

New QPR boss Harry Redknapp last night confirmed he is taking Joe Jordan with him to Loftus Road - but also left the door open to the SFA to approach his assistant over the national team manager’s job. Redknapp said: “Joe will be coming with me to QPR... But I am also aware of his name being mentioned in connection with the Scotland job... Of course, I wouldn’t want to lose him because there is a big challenge ahead for us at QPR. He has a big part to play. But it would be Joe’s decision. I’d leave it to him.”

• Owen Coyle admits he would be open to an approach from the SFA. The former Bolton boss said: “I have no right to say I am not interested in the Scotland job. I am a young manager still learning the game, so if someone thinks I am worthy of speaking to, then great.” (Mail on Sunday)

Butcher against reconstruction

Inverness boss Terry Butcher wants the SPL to scrap its plans for reconstruction because he believes Scotland’s top flight has never been better. He said: “The way the SPL is going, everybody can beat everybody else, it’s just a great league. We are talking about reconstruction but, flippin’ ‘eck, it’s one of the best competitions for a long time.” (Mail on Sunday)

Lennon in quit threat

Neil Lennon last night threatened to quit if the Celtic supporters were not happy with his efforts. The manager became embroiled in an argument with two fans at the loss of the goal that condemned Celtic to a 1-0 home defeat to Inverness. “They were frustrated and I disagreed with them,” Lennon said. “I didn’t like what they were saying about the team. Look, if they’re not happy with what I am doing with the team I’ll go.” (Various)

McCulloch blasts Whyte

Rangers skipper Lee McCulloch blames Craig Whyte for putting the club through months of misery which he believes could have been prevented, in the wake of the tax case verdict. The veteran said: “Everyone connected with Rangers has been let down by Whyte - yet he appears not to be bothering about it all and still blames others. It’s disgraceful. Hundreds of thousands of Rangers fans have suffered.” (Sunday Mail)

McCoist calls for tax leak probe

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has added his voice to calls for an inquiry into leaks pertaining to Rangers’ tax dispute with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. “HMRC shouldn’t be above the law,” said McCoist. “Nobody is above the law. You can be angry with one or two things that come out, but if there is a continuous trail of information leaking, you can point the finger and say it potentially is malicious.” (Scotland on Sunday)

IN BRIEF

• Falkirk have been forced to abandon their bid for veteran defender Robbie Neilson due to financial contstraints. (Sunday Mail)