The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Hearts striker John Sutton has been told by manager Paulo Sergio that the club want to offload him before the end of the transfer window. The summer signing from Motherwell was informed in front of team-mates on the training pitch yesterday that there were loan inquiries from SPL rivals, one of which Hearts intended to accept, according to the Express.

Crawley Town have launched a bid to sign Hearts midfielder Rudi Skacel. Steve Evans, manager of the npower League Two leaders, revealed he hoped to sign the 32-year-old Czech on loan until the end of the season. However, he might find it easier than anticipated as Skacel signed a contract in August that expires at the end of January, while Hearts are actively seeking to offload players. (Scotsman)

The English club are also on the trail of Falkirk hotshot Farid El Alagui, who has found the net 20 times so far this season. A bid of around £45,000 is on the table for the Moroccan striker. (Express)

Rangers have been dealt a blow with the news that Kyle Lafferty is likely to be sidelined for six or seven weeks. The striker left the pitch on a stretcher after just nine minutes of Monday’s win against Motherwell with what has proved to be a hamstring tear. (Various)

There was more bad news for Rangers fans with reports that Bosnian defender Sasa Papac wants to quit the club in the summer. He has told friends he wants to bring his six-year spell at Ibrox to an end and return to his homeland, the Express reports.

Meanwhile, Sochaux have revealed that Maurice Edu is their top midfield target this month. Reports suggest an offer in the region of £500,000 from the French club for the American midfielder has already been rejected by Rangers. Assistant coach Stephane Gilli said: “It’s fair to say that Edu is our No 1 target for the midfield position.” (Scotsman)

Rangers boss Ally McCoist has pulled out of the race to sign Dundee United youngster Scott Allan, the Record reports. The 20-year-old will now travel to The Hawthorns today for signing talks with West Brom, who agreed a £400,000 fee with United last month.

McCoist had been linked with a move for Hibernian hitman Garry O’Connor as he aims to solve his striker crisis, but Easter Road boss Pat Fenlon is adamant the former Scotland international is going nowhere. “I expect Garry to be here beyond January, I don’t know anything different,” he said. “I don’t want him to go anywhere because he’s a big player.” (Record)

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has ruled out a move for Ki Sung-Yeung. The Celtic midfielder was a £6million target for the Premier League club at one time, but McLeish admits he cannot afford to add to his wage bill - except for the loan signing of Robbie Keane. (Sun)

Aberdeen captain Richard Foster is expected to become Derek McInnes’s first signing for Bristol City later today. The former St Johnstone manager has negotiated an undisclosed fee for the versatile player who spent last season on loan at Rangers. Foster is expected to travel to Bristol for signing talks and a medical with a view to completing a move to the English Championship. (Scotsman)

But Aberdeen have agreed a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Mark Reynolds on loan until the end of the season. If clearance comes through the former Scotland B cap could make his debut in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup clash at Forfar. (Express)

David Davis will not be extending his loan deal with Inverness Caley Thistle after manager Terry Butcher revealed the player rejected the opportunity to remain in the Highlands. The midfielder arrived on loan from Wolves in August and has impressed during his time at the Caledonian Stadium but now looks set for a return south of the border. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels is resigned to losing son Dean when his loan spell ends next week. The midfielder is on loan from Championship side Doncaster Rovers. (Record)

• Dunfermline boss Jim McIntyre has distanced himself from newspaper reports suggesting that he has rekindled his interest in Raith Rovers striker John Baird, for whom Dunfermline had to offers rejected during the summer. (Various)

• Brechin City hope to re-sign central defender Ewan Moyes. (Express)

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