Rumour Mill: Billy King to Rangers? | Hearts in for John Souttar

Billy King is set to join Rangers on loan. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Billy King set for Rangers loan switch

HEARTS midfielder Billy King is set to spend the rest of the season on loan at Rangers, according to reports.

The 21-year-old winger has made 20 appearances for Hearts, scoring twice, and has been in and around the Tynecastle first team since 2012.

A regular for Scotland, King is expected to join Rangers later this week and could be in the squad for the match against Falkirk. (Daily Record)

Leacock-McLeod ‘close to deal’

WOLVES winger Mekhi Leacock-McLeod could be offered a deal at Ibrox amid reports the 19-year-old has impressed on trial.

The wide man joined up with the Gers at Auchenhowie and could be one of the two players Mark Warburton is hoping to tie up a deal for. (Various)

Ex-Rangers and Dundee United striker declared bankrupt

FORMER Scotland international Duncan Ferguson has been declared bankrupt, according to reports.

HMRC are said to have filed the bankruptcy petition against the Everton coach - who once earned £30,000 a week at the height of his career - earlier this month. (Daily Record)

Hearts target John Souttar

HEARTS will likely make a fresh bid for Dundee United’s John Souttar, after an initial bid of between £60,000 and £100,000 was thrown out by the Tannadice club.

Souttar - linked with Celtic and clubs in England - is out of contract in the summer and while Mixu Paatelainen hasn’t ruled out the versatile youngster extending his stay on Tayside, the number of interested clubs appears to be growing. (The Scotsman)

Halliday gesture ‘could have sparked riot’

OFFICIALS reportedly told Mark Warburton that Andy Halliday’s gesture at Morton could have incited ‘a riot’.

The midfielder was shown a second yellow card for celebrating Barrie McKay’s goal in the 2-0 win. and was sent off - a decision that the club can’t appeal.

And Warburton said: “I think that if a player runs up to a set of fans and makes a gesture in front of them in an intimidating manner, then I understand absolutely that the last thing anyone wants to see is any fan trouble or anyone hurt. But it’s in the middle of the pitch and he’s walking back in front of the Rangers fans.

“He literally raised his hand in a clenched fist in terms of saying: ‘We’ve scored a second goal’, a big goal in front of the fans.” (Daily Mail)

Keatings eyes cup glory

HIBS forward James Keatings is targeting cup success with Hibs - so he can add it to the list of honours he won while a youngster at Celtic.

Keating, who has had spells with Hamilton and Hearts, is keen to taste cup success with Hibs but is aware that St Johnstone, who Hibs face in the semi-final this weekend, will be more than up for it. (The Scotsman)

Hibs confirm departure of duo

HIBS have confirmed that Conner Duthie and Islam Feruz have departed Easter Road.

Youngster Duthie had been on loan at Spartans but has been released by Hibs while Feruz has returned to Chelsea after cutting his season-long loan spell short. (Various)

Swansea raid Falkirk for Blair

SWANSEA have raided Falkirk yet again to snap up young talent Ryan Blair.

The midfielder, 19, has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Swans and will join their Under-21 squad.

He joins former Bairns Stephen Kingsley, Jay Fulton and Botti Biabi at the Liberty Stadium. (ESPN)

Try Ball in Halliday role, suggests McCall

STUART McCall has called on Rangers to try Dominic Ball in place of the suspended Andy Halliday when the Ibrox club take on Falkirk this weekend.

On-loan Tottenham youngster Ball can play in defence or in defensive midfield.

McCall added: “Unless [Rangers] get someone in before Saturday, you could be looking at Dominic Ball going in and playing there. From a physical aspect, Ball is someone who could do the job in there.” (Evening Times)

Rangers ‘will beat Hibs to promotion’, says Warnock

NEIL Warnock has picked his favourite for automatic promotion from the Scottish Championship.

The former QPR and Sheffield United boss believes Hibs are a good side but that they can’t match Rangers, who currently sit five points clear of Alan Stubbs’ men.

Warnock added: “ I think Rangers are the better team this year. I do think Rangers will end up winning it.” (Various)

Ashley fails in voting rights bid

MIKE Ashley has failed in an attempt to block any attempts by Rangers to stop him voting at AGMs.

The Sports Direct boss wanted Rangers to be prevented from putting a resolution to shareholders to stop any shareholder with an interest in another club - in Ashley’s case, Newcastle - from influencing affairs, and was successful.

But the Court of Session has thrown out a similar request from Ashley saying it ‘would not be legally correct’ to grant the request, adding that the last time ‘only applied to the November AGM.’ (STV Sport)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Kilmarnock are set to seal a deal for Carlisle United midfielder Gary Dicker

• Ex-Celtic assistant boss Johan Mjallby is set to be named as new manager of Swedish third-tier outfit Vasteras VK.

• Former St Mirren boss and midfielder Tony Fitzpatrick is in talks to become the club’s new chief executive

• Livingston could move for former Rangers and Dundee United midfielder Charlie Telfer

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Rumour Mill: Billy King to Rangers? | Hearts in for John Souttar | Rangers deal for Leacock-McLeod |