The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s football news and gossip

Davis hints at Ibrox exit

Rangers captain Steven Davis has refused to rule out the possibility that he could leave in January for a return to England. Despite signing a five-year deal in July, the 26-year-old said: “I’m happy here at Rangers and I’m committed to my five-year contract but, in football, you just never know... I’ve always said I’d like another crack at it in England. I enjoyed it down there and it’s probably the best league in the world.” (Mail)

• Sone Aluko took his chance to impress Rangers manager Ally McCoist yesterday – scoring in a behind-closed-doors match in his second week on trial. (Scotsman) The Ibrox club have opened contract talks with the Nigerian international, but the deal could still be scuppered by Aberdeen’s compensation claim. (Express)

Celtic ‘held talks with Strachan’

It has been revealed that Celtic held talks with Gordon Strachan over the possibility of the former Parkhead manager returning to the club in a role helping Neil Lennon. The discussions came after the club’s loss to Sion in the Europa League and their Old Firm defeat in September, and it is understood that Lennon himself was a key player in the attempt to lure back the 54-year-old. However, personal terms could not be agreed and the deal fell through. (Herald)

• Newcastle United could sign Celtic captain Scott Brown for free on a Bosman. The midfielder has agreed a new four-and-a-half year contract but talks have broken down over a fee to his advisers. (Record)

• Paddy McCourt believes he could land a January move out of Celtic after struggling to break into the starting eleven. (Express)

• Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic are in talks with Swedish international defender Mikael Lustig as efforts are stepped up to bring him to the club in January. (Scotsman)

Hearts valued at £50m by Romanov

Vladimir Romanov valued Hearts at £50 million yesterday, casting doubt on his willingness to negotiate seriously with any potential purchaser. The Lithuanian businessman, who has announced that he wants to get out of football, also emphasised the extent to which he has lost interest in the Edinburgh club by adding that he did not know when the team’s most recent match had been. (Scotsman)

New Hibs boss imminent, hints Brown

The appointment of a new manager at Hibernian appears to be imminent after Billy Brown, who has been doing the job as caretaker, admitted yesterday that a new man could be in place by the end of this week. (Scotsman)

• Hibernian have reportedly offered a three-and-a-half year deal to Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon. (Express)

Pressley hits out at Doncaster over TV deal

Steven Pressley has accused SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster of failing to address the real problems within the Scottish game after announcing a five-year extension to the current broadcast rights agreement worth around £80 million. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• St Mirren boss Danny Lennon is ready to commit his future to the Paisley club - but admits he has one eye on managing Northern Ireland in the future. (Various)

• Craig Gordon’s Sunderland career could be over after manager Steve Bruce appeared to rule out a return to the first team for the Scotland goalkeeper. (Mail)

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