The Rumour Mill: Tuesday’s football transfer news and gossip

Lee McCulloch and 17 other team-mates caught up in ex-Ibrox stars’ legal action

Eighteen Rangers players have been caught up in legal action brought forth by the SPFA on behalf of 67 players registered to the club last season. The employment tribunal claim was launched by the players’ union amid claims that players who took large wage deductions could be entitled to as much as three months’ wages.

However, senior Rangers players, including Lee McCulloch, have sought to distance themselves from the claim, saying that they have played no part in the action brought against Charles Green.

“For everyone asking, I’m not involved in the 67 people and if my name is there it will be getting taken off,” McCulloch tweeted.

SPL will not move Celtic fixtures amid congestion fears

The SPL will not yield to calls to move Celtic league fixtures to accommodate their Champions League outings, according to SPL secretary Iain Blair. Blair, the man in charge of arranging league fixtures for Scotland’s top tier, says that the possibility of a cold snap, Scottish Cup replays and Uefa directives make any rearrangements impossible.

“It would benefit Scottish clubs because our coefficient will improve if Celtic reach the quarter-finals. But we simply can’t have the season ending in September.” (The Sun)

Dunfermline could go bust if share issue fails

Dunfermline may go bust before the end of the season if the club fail to raise a minimum of £300,000 from a new share issue. Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston announced a floatation plan yesterday that aims to raise as much as £500,000. Insiders say there are fears that the club will not even be given the opportunity to enter administration should fans fail to take up the new share issue.

 “We need our fans to support us now more than ever and if they do support the share issue we can all enjoy the success that it can bring,” said Yorkston.

Craig Brown: Ryan Fraser won’t quit Aberdeen for Rangers

Craig Brown has insisted that Aberdeen youngster Ryan Fraser will not leave Aberdeen to play in Scotland’s bottom tier at Rangers. The 18-year-old is looking to leave Aberdeen after rejecting terms for a new deal. Rangers have been linked with the player, despite a transfer ban that will remain in place until September 2013.

 “We shouldn’t be speculating about where Ryan’s going but I’d be surprised if he went to Rangers,” Brown said. (Daily Record)

Meanwhile, Rangers are also understood to be ready to make a move for Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell, with the intention of striking a pre-contract agreement. (Daily Express)

Peter Houston to hold Dundee United contract talks

Dundee United boss Peter Houston is to hold talks to agree a new deal at Tannadice. Houston, whose deal runs out at the end of the season, took over in 2009, helping United win the Scottish Cup and qualify for Europe in three consecutive seasons. Houston’s agent John Colquhoun will meet with United chairman Stephen Thompson to begin talks. (Record)

English clubs to swoop for Dundee United trio

Dundee United trio Gavin Gunning, Barry Douglas and Richie Ryan are understood to be on the radar of a number of English clubs. Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace are thought to be considering moves for Gunning and Douglas respectively, while Chesterfield may bid for Richie Ryan come January. (The Sun)