The Rumour Mill: Thursday's football news and gossip

• Goodwillie completed a clean sweep of Scotland's Young Player of the Year awards after another successful season

Old Firm set for tug-of-war over Goodwillie

Celtic are ready to battle it out with Rangers in the race to sign highly-rated Dundee United striker David Goodwillie. Ibrox manager Ally McCoist is set to make a bid for the Scotland international this summer, but Celtic boss Neil Lennon could pre-empt the Rangers bid with one of his own - despite his recent public criticism of the player. Celtic are understood to have asked Goodwillie's representatives to keep them updated on developments during the close season. (Daily Record)

• The agent of Celtic midfielder Efrain Juarez has admitted that the Mexican may have played his last game for the club. The 3million signing has failed to impress and could move to Tigres in his native country. (Daily Record)

Rangers target Southampton winger

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has targeted 2.5million-rated Southampton winger Jason Puncheon as a possible replacement for Vladimir Weiss, who is set to sign for Espanyol. The Ibrox club have already contacted the player's representatives and have received positive feedback from the 24-year-old, who has spent the second half of the season on loan at Blackpool. (Daily Express)

• El-Hadji Diouf's short but eventful stay with Rangers could be extended into next season after the Senegalese international revealed he was in talks with the club about a new deal. (The Scotsman)

• Nikica Jelavic has pledged his future to Rangers after being linked with a big money move to Manchester United. The Croatian striker said: "I don't think about leaving Rangers because I am loving it here. Some of the stories about me leaving were simply people getting excited over nothing. We actually joked at Rangers about me going to Manchester United." (Daily Express)

SPL plots winter getaway

SPL clubs could take part in an overseas tournament during the winter break next season - with Dubai and Florida being touted as possible destinations. It is hoped funds generated from the proposed tournament would prevent cash-flow problems for clubs at a time when so many games are called off. (The Sun)

Hearts begin transfer talks

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas has revealed the club have opened talks with signing targets as they prepare to strenghten the squad for a Europa League campaign. He said: "We have identified targets and negotiations are under way." Motherwell striker John Sutton and St Mirren forward Michael Higdon have been linked with the Tynecastle club, as have Kilmarnock midfielder Mehdi Taouil and Aberdeen defender Zander Diamond. (Daily Record)

Sproule returns to Hibs

Ivan Sproule has become Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood's first signing of the close season after agreeing a pre-contract deal to return to Easter Road. The 30-year-old will officially join Hibs at the start of July once his current contract with Bristol City expires, but he will be available for pre-season training at East Mains on 20 June. (The Scotsman)

Dons ready to open Flood gate

Aberdeen have launched a late bid to hijack Dundee United's move for Willo Flood and have also targeted ex-Scotland international Gavin Rae. Tannadice boss Peter Houston has already made an offer to the out-of contract Middlesborough midfielder but that has already been topped by their SPL rivals. Rae, 33, is leaving Cardiff City after their failed promotion bid. (Daily Express)

IN BRIEF

• Mickael Antoine-Curier has signalled his intention to quit Hamilton and join "a club with ambition".

• St Johnstone striker Peter MacDonald has warned the clubs fans to prepare themselves for losing defender Michael Duberry.

• Hearts defender Eggert Jonsson and Hibs midfielder Victor Palsson have been named in Iceland's provisional 40-man squad for the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark, which kicks off on June 11.

• Dundee defender Rhys Weston has rejected a possible move to Dunfermline to sign a new one-year deal at Dens Park.

• Cowdenbeath captain Mark Baxter, 26, has left the club and is attracting interest from Raith, Brechin and Arbroath.

• Midfielder Chris Aitken, who was released by Stirling Albion, has moved to Stranraer.

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