The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Former Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston has reportedly asked the Government’s insolvency service to investigate “certain financial arrangements” surrounding Craig Whyte’s takeover of the club. Mr Whyte took over ownership of Rangers last year and the club has continued to face financial difficulties.

Mr Johnston said: “I have had numerous approaches following the recent revelations in the press about the acquisition of Rangers Football Club and the use of future season ticket money. I am not in a position to answer all the questions put to me, but I do recognise the issue is causing much concern. I believe this is a prevalent view amongst Rangers’ stakeholders who are now demanding full transparency about the funding of the acquisition of the club, its current financial status, and most importantly, the way forward.” (Various)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist believes that the return of Daniel Cousin could switch the momentum of the SPL title race back in the Ibrox club’s favour at a crucial stage of the season. McCoist is confident the 35-year-old Gabon international striker will agree a short-term move to Rangers and has not discounted the possibility of a deal being concluded in time for him to play against Dunfermline at East End Park tomorrow. (Scotsman)

And Daniel Cousin’s agent insists the striker will sign for Rangers today. Willie McKay said he had agreed a deal with Ibrox owner Craig Whyte over the player’s wages, and he would arrive in Glasgow today. (Record)

But today McKay revealed his frustration with the pace of the negotiations. He said: “I’m waiting for a call from Craig Whyte. It’s very slow. I feel sorry for Ally [McCoist] because when [former owner] David Murray was in charge things happened. Five minutes later, you were there.” (BBC)

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels believes Paulo Sergio should have walked out on Hearts after being prevented from picking first-choice keeper Marian Kello – as he would have done in the same situation. “I am not criticising Paulo Sergio but, in my opinion, if the chairman ever said to me that I have to pick him or him then he is compromising my position,” the Northern Irishman said. (Scotsman)

Meanwhile, Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov is trying to buy FC Tom Tomsk, currently bottom of the Russian Premier League. (Record)

Kilmarnock are hoping to sign former Hearts and Bristol City midfielder Lee Johnson. The 30-year-old free agent was due in Scotland on Thursday afternoon to finalise a two-and-a-half year deal. (BBC)

St Johnstone and Hearts will miss out on £165,000 of television money after UEFA ruled that their Scottish Cup replay could not be shown live next Thursday, because it clashes with European ties. (Sun)

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown says he is “embarrassed” to be Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager of the Month, because he feels it should have gone to Celtic boss Neil Lennon. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• The English FA may turn to Everton’s Scottish manager David Moyes if Harry Redknapp turns down the chance to become England manager. (Express)

• St Mirren have agreed a pre-contract deal with Cowdenbeath midfielder Jon Robertson.

• Falkirk’s performance on and off the field in January has been recognised with manager Steven Pressley named as the Irn-Bru Phenomenal First Division Manager of the Month.

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