Rumour Mill: Hearts| Rangers| Celtic| Motherwell

Supporters group welcomes Walter Smith's appointment. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Hearts safe for now

Hearts have escaped the threat of relegation and will start next season in the SPL, however, if owner Vladimir Romanov is declared insolvent then the club will face a 15 point deduction.

The Tynecastle outfit were looking down the barrel of an 18-point penalty, which would put them into the First Division, but the SPL board felt there wasn’t enough evidence to go ahead with the move. (Scotsman)

Rangers could face new probe

SFA chief Stewart Regan says that they may still investigate Rangers after the findings of Pinsent Masons reports are made public.

The independent report was commissioned by the Ibrox board to find out any links between Charles Green and Craig Whyte.

Regan said: “There are some very specific questions we have asked that require some very specific answers. If we don’t get those answers, we reserve the right to further investigation.” (Daily Record)

Watt’s up

Celtic’s Tony Watt, 19, could me called up by Scotland today, as Gordon Strachan is set to name the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Croatia (Sun)

Hibs star Leigh Griffiths says he wants to stay at Easter Road.

The on-loan star has told parent club Wolves that he does not want to return to Molilneux. (Scotsman)

Mannus stays at Saints

St Johnstone have chased off competition for goalkeeper Alan Mannus by signing him up for another 12 months.

Aberdeen and Motherwell had reportedly been keen to snare the Northern Irishman after he helped the Perth side reach the Europa League. (Scotsman)

US firm eyes Dundee

Dundee could be the subject of a bid from a US consortium.

The group, backed by Texas-based firm Keyes Capital could be about to take control of the club. (Daily Record)

McCall’s first signing

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall has grabbed his first summer signing, with Ross County’s Paul Lawson putting pen to paper for a two-year deal. (Daily Mail)

• Sheffield United have made their first move in the race to sign McCall. They have asked Motherwell’s permission to talk to him. (Sun)