The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Celtic linked with Juhasz

Celtic are considering a move for former Rangers target Roland Juhasz during the January transfer window. The Ibrox club made repeated attempts to sign the Hungarian international from Belgian outfit Anderlecht during the summer, but failed to match their £3.5million valuation. Neil Lennon is keen to bolster his shaky defence and the Parkhead club are rumoured to be preparing a bid of around £2.6million for the experienced centre-half. (Various)

McGregor impressed by Aluko

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor believes Sone Aluko could offer Rangers something different and admits he has been impressed by the former Aberdeen winger. He said: “He likes to take the ball, he’s quick and he has shown some good finishes. Hopefully for him and the club it will be good.” (Various)

• Indian strike duo Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua will arrive for their trials at Rangers next week. (Record)

Hearts in crisis

• Vladimir Romanov has plunged Hearts into even greater uncertainty after he revealed that he is desperate to dissolve his interest in the Tynecastle club. Speaking to a Russian news agency, the majority shareholder revealed that he is now actively seeking to quit football entirely. (Scotsman)

• Former Hearts skipper Paul Hartley admits he fears the worst for the club after seeing owner Vladimir Romanov lose interest in the midst of financial worries. (Scotsman)

• Robbie Neilson has warned his new Dundee United team-mates about a siege mentality at Hearts as he prepares to make his debut against his former club. (Scotsman)

• Paulo Sergio has decided not to appeal against the five-match ban handed down to him yesterday by an SFA disciplinary tribunal, saying he had learned his lesson after being found guilty of misconduct. (Scotsman)

No Hibs approach yet for O’Neill

Michael O’Neill confirmed last night that he has not been contacted by Hibernian about the vacant manager’s position at Easter Road. (Scotsman)

• Long-time assistant Billy Brown believes he’s right candidate for Hibs job. (Scotsman)

• Irish club Bohemians say Hibernian have left them in the dark over the pursuit of the their manager Pat Fenlon. (Record)

Riordan quits Chinese football

Derek Riordan has ended his spell in China after just four months, with his contract being mutually terminated. However, the former Hibernian and Celtic star is keen to embark on a new challenge abroad. (Scotsman)

Saints boss looks to farm out fringe men

New St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas is looking to loan out some fringe players despite being pleasantly surprised by the quality of his squad. He said: “I’ve been mightily impressed. Not just the depth but the quality. They are looking to stake a claim and we have got everybody fit now, which is good. A few might go out on loan to get some games if we can arrange that.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Dunfermline Athletic manager Jim McIntyre has backed the club’s cost-cutting decision to close one side of East End Park. (Scotsman)

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