The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s transfer news and gossip

In today’s Rumour Mill: Charles Green to host Ibrox summit on stadium renaming plans; Craig Brown rules out Dons move for Barry Robson; Lee McCulloch talks up Rangers players’ Scotland chances; Hearts to strike loan deal for Liverpool starlet; plus all the rest of today’s football news and gossip

Charles Green to host fans summit on Ibrox renaming plans

Charles Green will tonight attempt to convince Rangers fans of the benefits of renaming Ibrox Stadium in a deal that would net the club £2.5 million. A potential agreement with Mike Ashley would see the Newcastle owner be handed naming rights to the stadium, which will likely incorporate the Sports Direct business he also runs.

Mark Dingwall, of the Rangers Supporters’ Trust, said: “The groundswell of o0pinion is we’ve had a successful share issue so why do we need to sell the naming rights? But the Trust are keeping an open mind.” (Daily Record)

Barry Robson not coming to Dons, says Craig Brown

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Former Dundee United and Celtic midfielder Barry Robson is not heading to Aberdeen, according to manager Craig Brown. Robson is seeking a move back to the UK after a disappointing spell with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps. While Brown admits that Robson would be a valuable addition, he said he “cannot justify” purchasing another midfielder.


“The budget is at its limit,” said Brown, “and the money from Ryan Fraser won’t go to the team. But there could be a case to bring in another striker and that is something we are looking at. (Record)

Lee McCulloch: No big gap between SPL and Third Division

Rangers utility man Lee McCulloch has welcomed news that new Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is to consider players from the bottom tier of Scottish football. In light of Strachan’s revelation last week, McCulloch has insisted the former Celtic boss would not be disappointed by a trip to Ibrox to see the likes of Lee Wallace and Ian Black.

“I don’t see why our players shouldn’t be considered,” McCulloch said. “If they are playing well enough I don’t see why Gordon shouldn’t be looking

“When it was announced we were in the Third Division people expected us to win every game easily. But there isn’t a big gap between the SPL and Third Division. And it shows some Saturdays. There are definitely some of the teams who could play in the SPL.” (Record)

Liverpool youngster should follow me to Hearts’, says Danny Wilson

Liverpool striker Michael Ngoo should follow Danny Wilson to Hearts, according to the newly-recruited Tynecastle defender. The former Rangers and Liverpool centre-back says the 6ft 6in forward would thrive in the SPL, and urged the England U20 international to consider a move after rumours of interest from manager John McGlynn.


“I know Michael very well from playing together. He is an extremely tall centre-forward, but also really quick and has a good touch. He is in a similar boat to me, I think. He is at Liverpool but is maybe not going to get an opportunity.”

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Meanwhile, the Sun report that McGlynn is already in the process of thrashing out a loan deal for the striker. (Daily Express, Sun)

US Celtic target ‘shouldn’t move to Parkhead’

Juan Agudelo has been warned off a move to Celtic by MLS chief Don Garber. The US international underwent a successful trial in Lennoxtown in November, with manager Neil Lennon keen on recruiting the Chivas player. However, Garber says that he would rather keep the talented striker in the US.

“I think I’m a lone wolf on this, but I’d like to have every young player that plays in our league stay here and hopefully one day retire here.” (Express)

Terry Butcher opens talks to extend Billy McKay contract

Inveness manager Terry Butcher is to open talks with striker Billy McKay. The Northern Ireland U21 international, who is the club’s top scorer with 20 goals this season, has helped Inverness up to second place in the SPL table.

“Billy is marvellous and I think he would add another year if we offered it,” Butcher said. “We always knew he could score goals, but he has become more clinical and ruthless.” (Express)

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