The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Estonian defender Enar Jaager is expected to fly to Glasgow for talks over a move to Rangers. Ibrox boss Ally McCoist sees the 27-year-old right-back, currently with Norwegian side Aalesunds, as a potential replacement for injured defender Steven Whittaker. McCoist wants a closer look at the experienced Jaager, capped 83 times for his country, before he decides on a move. (Sun)

Rangers have also expressed an interest in signing Swedish under-21 international Mervan Celik, according to reports in his homeland. The attacking midfielder, who is a free agent having left GAIS under freedom of contract, has reportedly been offered a deal by the Ibrox club. (Record)

Another new name to be linked with Rangers is Benik Afobe. Despite interest from a host of English clubs, the 18-year-old Arsenal prospect could join the SPL champions on loan, where he already knows fellow Gunner Kyle Bartley. (Express)

The immediate future of out-of-favour Hearts striker John Sutton remains in doubt. Yesterday the club turned down a bid from St Mirren to sign him on loan for the rest of the season, as Buddies boss Danny Lennon is looking for a new striker after allowing Jon McShane to join Hamilton on loan for the remainder of the season, and had hoped Sutton would agree to a second spell in Paisley. (Scotsman)

Edinburgh rivals Hibernian also tabled a bid for Sutton last night, with talks taking place over a loan switch. (Record). But it is understood that a loan move is not Hearts’ preferred option as they would like to cash in on the former Motherwell man. (STV)

Ryan Stevenson, who hit out at Hearts chiefs over the wage dispute, may be set for a shock return to First Division Ayr United. The midfielder is being lured to Somerset Park as part of a deal being bank-rolled by billionaire sponsor Calvin Ayre. (Record)

Hearts keeper Marian Kello, meanwhile, says he is in no rush to quit Tynecastle but will go if the transfer money helps the club. (Record)

St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson believes team-mate Fran Sandaza can handle the pressure of being linked with Rangers, as he was in the summer. But the midfielder also warned of the baggage that comes with the speculation. “From my point of view, it was off the park I found more difficult,” said Davidson. “I’d walk down the street in Perth and people would come up to me and accuse me of wanting to do this and that. But it was outwith my control, as it is for Fran just now. I was a St Johnstone player, he’s a St Johnstone player and all you can do is try as hard as you can to put it all behind you, no matter how difficult it is.” (Scotsman)

And Rangers could face stiff competition to sign Sandaza, with a host of clubs, including West Brom and Cardiff City, planning to have him watched this weekend. (Mail)

English Championship leaders Southampton may offer up to £6million for Celtic striker Gary Hooper. (Mirror)

Celtic misfit Efrain Juarez could be on his way back to Parkhead with Real Zaragoza set to try and cancel his loan deal. The Mexican defender has not impressed during his time in La Liga.

New Hibernian signing George Francomb has revealed that it was David Stephens who sold him on the move from Norwich City. Right-back Francomb, who is in contention for a place in Hibs’ crunch league game at Dunfermline tomorrow, is friends with Easter Road centre-half David Stephens, who quickly persuaded him to agree to make the loan move to Edinburgh. (Scotsman)

Inverness have signed versatile Bradford player Steve Williams on loan. Williams can play centre-half or centre midfield and stands 6ft 4ins tall. Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher said: “We had a look at Steve for a couple of days in training last week and have been impressed with what we’ve seen and he’s liked the place.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen boss Craig Brown is looking to bring Russell Anderson back to the club.

• Falkirk boss Steven Pressley has dismissed Crawley Town’s £300,000 offer for Farid El Alagui as “derisory”.

• Dundee boss Barry Smith has told Callum Eliot he can return to Dens Park but would have to go unpaid.

• Dundee United manager Peter Houston has accepted a two-match touchline ban from the Scottish Football Association for comments made following his team’s 2-1 loss to Aberdeen on 2 January.

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