The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Spanish striker Jorge Molina says he is “honoured” to be linked with a move to Celtic. The Real Betis forward, who has scored 46 goals in two and a half seasons, is now waiting on the Parkhead club tabling a bid of around £3million before the transfer window shuts. (Sun)

Meanwhile, Celtic have been told by Stoke City that there is no chance of a loan move for Kenwyne Jones. It is understood an approach was made on behalf of Celtic for the striker, but manager Tony Pulis has made it clear he is not interested in letting Jones leave. (Express)

Injury-hit Mohamed Bangura has promised Celtic fans he will overcome his nightmare start at the club after failing to score a single goal since his £2million August move from AIK. (Record) But there was more bad news for the player after he “tweaked” his right knee once more - a specialist will assess the injury next week. (Scotsman)

West Ham are making serious efforts to lure Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic to London, with the Championship club understood to have had a £7 million bid rejected. The offer failed to meet the Scottish champions’ valuation of the Croatian, but an increased offer would have to be taken seriously by the Ibrox board of directors. (Various)

The Hammers are currently the only club at the negotiating table as QPR boss Mark Hughes ruled out a move for Jelavic. (Record) And Mark Hughes’ predecessor at QPR has warned Rangers that they will struggle to command £10million for the striker. (Mail)

Rangers are set to sign promising Kiwi youngster Scott Basalaj after the goalkeeper impressed on trial. (Record)

Aberdeen boss Craig Brown has begun the search to replace midfielder Kari Arnason, although he admits he hopes the Icelandic player will see out his contract and stay until the summer. Meanwhile, Dons youngster Craig Storie is set to snub Manchester United and remain at Pittodrie until 2016. (Sun)

Leigh Griffiths has said sorry to the Hibs supporters for aiming a second offensive gesture at his own fans in as many weeks. The on-loan Wolves striker insists his conduct stems from “sheer stupidity” and “frustration” over the team’s relegation worries. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen and Hibs will fight it out for the signature of Gavin Rae, who has been in good form since returning to Dundee from Cardiff City last year. (Sun)

St Mirren captain Jim Goodwin was last night edging closer to a move to Hibs following talks with the club. (Mail)

Terry Butcher has opened talks in an effort to ensure key midfielder Jonny Hayes stays at Inverness. The Caley Thistle player’s deal ends in the summer and Butcher is only too aware that he is a free agent in the summer and would be able to sign a pre-contract. (Sun)

Hearts striker John Sutton has been linked with a move for Australian side Central Coast Mariners. (Sun)

Craig Levein is trying to convince Hull winger Cameron Stewart to opt to play for Scotland rather than England. The Scotland manager is interested in recruiting the 20-year-old former Manchester United youth player, who has already represented England from under-17 to under-20 level. (Various)