The Rumour Mill: Friday’s transfer news and gossip

In today’s Rumour Mill: Paulo Sergio leaves Hearts after refusing drastic pay cut; Rino Gattuso plots a return to Rangers; Dave King compares Charles Green to Craig Whyte and refuses to back CVA proposal; Dorin Goian’s agent says Romanian may yet leave Ibrox; plus the rest of today’s transfer news and gossip

PAULO Sergio’s sudden departure from Hearts was the result of a refusal to agree to a bonus-led basic salary, according to today’s edition of the Sun. Sergio’s 10-month tenure came to an end after Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov failed to give assurances that wage delays would no longer be an issue for the Tynecastle club. Former players Colin Calderwood, Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley are all touted as possible candidates for the vacancy. Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Evening News reports that the wages offered to Sergio would have amounted to less than half of what he had earned.

Of his departure, Sergio told the Evening News: “There are no hard feelings; I’m just sad because I love that club. I love our supporters, I think they are amazing. My first emotion is sadness at leaving the project but life goes on.

“I’m going to keep Hearts deep in my heart for the rest of my life. I’m going to be a supporter and I wish them all the best.”

Elsewhere, Rangers are plotting a sensational return for Rino Gattuso. The Italian’s agent Andrea D’Amico said that the former AC Milan midfielder had begun discussion to rejoin the club he left in 1998. D’Amico claims that neither the lack of European football or money at the club would prevent Gattuso’s enthusiasm for the move. The Daily Record reports that the Italian is keen on a return to Glasgow to spend more time with his wife’s family, who live in Glasgow. The former Italy international and World Cup winner played for Rangers between 1997 and 1998 before earning a £4 million move to Italian side Salernitana.

Meanwhile, a ‘war or words’ has broken out between former Rangers director Dave King and prospective Rangers owner Charles Green. King has claimed that Green is no better than current owner Craig Whyte, claiming that Green intends to fund the club via season tickets in the same way that Whyte did, and insists that he won’t back the CVA proposal to be tabled by Green, saying that the money behind the CVA is a loan. Issuing a statement from South Africa, King added that he intended to reclaim £20 million he invested in Rangers under former owner Sir David Murray. Green responded by saying King’s statement was “breathtaking in its arrogance and is destructive to the interests of the club”. (The Daily Record)

More transfer goings-on at Ibrox - Romanian international Dorin Goian’s agent is looking to shop the defender around despite the player making clear a few days ago that he would be content to remain at the club. (Record)

The Daily Express reports that Craig Whyte has threatened to sue the SFA for defamatioon. The SFA deemed Whyte unfit to hold an official position within football and handed him fines totalling £200,000, which have yet to be paid.

Asked about the legal action, Whyte said: I will be going after them. I will be looking at legal options against the SFA. They have a lot to answer for with their defamatory statements about me which formed the basis of their so-called investigation.”

Finally, James McFadden has pledged to make himself available for selection if called upon by Scotland manager Craig Levein, despite being without a club since being released by Everton in May. McFadden said: “I am fit and available and certainly haven’t given up on my Scotland ambitions. I want to play.”

The story in the Express added that McFadden, who is now a free agent, would not rule out a move to Scotland.

“I suppose my preference would be to be back in the English Premier League but I am willing to listen to any offer from England or Scotland.”