The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s football news and gossip

Paulo Sergio told to take a pay cut

Hearts Scottish Cup winning boss Paulo Sergio has been told that he must take a pay cut if he wants to remain at the helm of the Tynecastle club.

It is understood Sergio is also looking for assurance that key players Rudi Skacel, Ian Black and Stephen Elliot will be replaced. (Sun)

• Hearts are reported to have Portuguese boss Jose Couceiro on their radar should a deal not be reached with Paulo Sergio. (Record)

Thompson keen on “amicable” solution

Axed Celtic first team coach Alan Thompson says he is keen to reach an agreement with the Parkhead club following his dismissal.

His lawyers are currently at the preliminary stages of legal action against Celtic. (Record)

Best on Celtic radar

Former Celtic loan signing target Leon Best has been tipped as a potential signing target for Neil Lennon’s side.

Best previously rejected a loan move to the Parkhead side but has recently been told that he no future at St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old Irishman is believed to be on wages of around £12K to £15K a week and would be available on a transfer fee of around £1m. (Herald)

McCoist “helpless” to stop players leaving

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he is powerless to stop out-of-contract players leaving the club as he is unable to offer new deals due to the Ibrox side currently sitting in administration.

Rangers stand to lose a number of big name players this summer due to pay-cut deal which allows key squad members to leave in cut-price deals. (Record)

Celtic set to block Izaguirre Olympic call-up

Neil Lennon is set to invoke a FIFA ruling that would remove Emillio Izaguirre from the Honduras Olympic side.

Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers occur at the same time as the Olympic tournament. (Sun)

SFA to clamp down on “unscrupulous” owners

The Scottish Football Association is expected to pass legislation at its upcoming AGM that will stop “unscrupulous charaters” becoming owners of Scottish clubs.

The new laws are expected to put more onus on the clubs to carry out more due diligence before a sale is finalised. (Scotsman)

Lomas backs new signing Hasselbaink

Steve Lomas believes Nigel Hasselbaink can win over the St Johnstone faithful after he beat off competition from Aberdeen and Kilmarnock to land the ex-St Mirren winger.

Lomas is expected to sign Inverness pair Gregory Tade and Jonny Tuffey this week. (Sun)

IN BRIEF

• Ex-Aberdeen defender Zander Diamond has signed for League Two side Burton Albion after being released by Oldham

• Celtic midfielder Ki Sung Yueng says he is no rush to leave the club despite saying earlier this year that he would review his future in the summer

• Celtic face competition from Bolton for Leicester defender Mathew Mills

• Slovakian side FK Senica are interested in freed Dundee United keeper Dusan Pernis

• Dundee United have unveiled Tayside software developer Digital Goldfish as their new shirt sponsor

• Montrose striker Martin Boyle is attracting interest from Celtic and Kilmarnock after bagging 22 goals last season