The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Rangers latest

• Charles Green last night questioned the timing of Walter Smith’s dramatic bid to buy Rangers on the day the club was formally consigned to liquidation and insisted he has no intention of “stepping aside” as requested by the former manager. (Scotsman)

• Businessman Jim McColl, who is backing Walter Smith’s bid, has warned he has “real concern” about the Green takeover and that it would be a “re-run of what has happened before”. (Herald)

• Rangers fans were last night giving their support to their dream team of Walter Smith and Ally McCoist as they rounded on new owner Charles Green. (Record)

• But Walter Smith was told he would have to offer £20m if he wants to seize control of Rangers from Green. (Sun)

• Charles Green has insisted he wants Ally McCoist to stay at Ibrox after reports emerged yesterday of a plot to oust him. (Sun)

• Glasgow businessman Ian Hart, one of the investors named by Green, has denied being part of his consortium. (Express)

• Pension fund manager Malcolm Murray has been appointed chairman of what is now called “The Rangers Football Club”, the club have announced. Charles Green – who fronted the consortium who have completed the purchase of the business and assets of Rangers yesterday – is chief executive of the new company. Brian Stockbridge will be financial director while Imran Ahmad of Zeus Capital will join the board as a non-executive director. (Various)

• In the face of a potential revolt from their fans, Aberdeen are set to vote against the newco Rangers being admitted to the SPL. (Record)

• Former Rangers player Jorg Albertz believes Walter Smith is the only man to unite the troubled Ibrox club. (Mail)

• And former captain Richard Gough also thinks Smith is the best man to lead Rangers. (Sun)

Chelsea join the race for Wanyama

Chelsea have joined the list of suitors for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. After his agent confirmed that the Kenyan wants to leave Parkhead this summer, it emerged that new Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo views Wanyama as a possible long-term replacement for Michael Essien. (Express)

Fenlon banned for Cup final gesture

Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon has been given a four-match ban, two of which are suspended, for his gesture during the club’s Scottish Cup final defeat. Referee Craig Thomson sent Fenlon to the stand moments after he was mocked by Hearts fans during the 5-1 defeat. (BBC)

IN BRIEF

• Former Rangers youth Brian McLean has joined Dundee United on a two-year deal from Preston. (Various)

• MLS side Philadelphia Union have sacked manager Peter Novak after it emerged he applied for the vacant Hearts job. But it is understood the Tynecastle club have no plans to talk to the Polish boss. (Sun)

• Inverness are close to agreeing deals with up to seven new players. Manager Terry Butcher has already brought in defender Gary Warren from Newport and expects others to be confirmed in the coming weeks. (Scotsman)

• St Johnstone’s hopes of agreeing a deal with midfielder Lee Croft are in doubt, with Oldhan also chasing the free agent. (Express)

• Cammy Bell will open contract talks with Kilmarnock but three Championship clubs - Bristol City, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich - are keen to sign him. (Sun)

• Ross County want to bring their Scottish Cup hero Martin Scott back from Hibernian. (Sun)

• Hibernian, meanwhile, have turned their attention to free agent Tomas Cerny after failing to land former Dundee United goalkeeper Dusan Pernic. (Sun)

• Former Rangers midfielder Rino Gattuso has opened talks with Swiss outfit Sion over a two-year deal. (Express)