The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Rangers are being linked with a move for Trabzonspor striker Pawel Brozek. Reports in Turkey last night claimed the Ibrox club were set to bring the Poland international to Glasgow on loan. Another name that could feature on Ally McCoist’s wishlist was Barcelona B forward Jonathan Soriano, (Sun)

Meanwhile, Rangers are reported to be closing in on confirming a deal for Swedish striker Mervan Celik. The money freed up by David Weir’s departure has allowed the Ibrox club to offer impressive terms to the 21-year-old GAIS player, who is wanted by a host of clubs. (Sun) And Celik himself appeared to confirm he was heading to Rangers: “I’ll be in Scotland soon, hopefully this week, to sign for Rangers.” (Record)

John Fleck’s loan move to Blackpool could be back on following the unexpected hitch on Monday. The Rangers attacker is due at Bloomfield Road today to sign until the end of the season. (Sun)

The latest name to be mentioned in Celtic’s striker search is Charlton Athletic’s Yann Kermorgant. The 30-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a target for Neil Lennon after scoring seven goals in 15 starts for the League One outfit. (Mail)

Celtic have announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim subject to a successful work permit application. The 20-year-old will join the Parkhead side on a three-and-a-half year deal after impressing while on trial in Glasgow. (Various)

After weeks of speculation, Celtic signing target Baba Diawara has joined Sevilla for £2.5million. (Sun)

St Johnstone have signed Falkirk winger Jack Compton on loan until the end of the season. The 23-year-old joined Falkirk two years ago but was loaned out to Bradford in August. The Perth club also revealed they were working on a deal to sign Lee Croft on loan from Derby. The 26-year-old right-winger has made 10 appearances this season. (Scotsman)

St Mirren could sign Hamilton’s Dougie Imrie after trumping Dundee United’s £25,000 offer for the winger. With Tannadice manager Peter Houston already saying he won’t table an improved bid, Imrie is set to hold talks about a move to Paisley today. (Record)

Wolves are ready to test St Mirren’s resolve with a bid for midfielder Kenny McLean. An offer from the Premiership club is imminent after Mick McCarthy had the player monitored throughout the season. (Express)

Hibernian striker Akpo Sodje looks set to become the fourth player to leave Easter Road this month after being given permission to go on trial at Belgian top-flight club KVC Westerlo. Hibs boss Pat Fenlon is also reported to be running the rule over Arsenal striker Rhys Murphy with English Championship outfit Derby said to have rejected a loan approach for Scotland cap Chris Maguire. (Scotsman)

The SPL’s decision to charge Hearts over its alleged late payment of players’ salaries has left former Hearts chairman Leslie Deans “flabbergasted”. Last night Deans received the backing of Hearts striker Kevin Kyle, who said the players had been paid and could not see why the SPL wanted to press ahead with action. (Scotsman)

Hearts have demanded that Rangers settle their £800,000 bill for Lee Wallace immediately, and have offered them a discount of more than £100,000 off the original price tag to get the cash up front. (Record)

Hat-trick hero Rudi Skacel has hinted that the match against St Mirren could be his last for the club, but insists his priority is still to stay with Hearts. He added: “Mr Romanov wants me to stay at all costs, so we will arrange a meeting and discuss the possibilities.” (Record)

Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser believes Jack Grimmer’s decision to quit Pittodrie for Fulham is bad news for Scottish football as a whole. The Barclays Premier League club have confirmed the 17-year-old midfielder will join their development squad for the remainder of the season, having signed a deal until 2015. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Sheffield United are set to join the race for free agent Derek Riordan, who is currently training with Blackpool. (Mail)

• Stoke City are monitoring Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui. Bairns midfielder Mark Millar is also a target for Swansea. (Record)

• Scotland have slipped one place to 48th in the FIFA world rankings - below Panama.

• Former Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has taken over as Lithuania coach.

• Forfar Athletic have signed striker Bradley Coyne on a permanent basis after he was released by St Mirren.

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