The Rumour Mill - Thursday's football transfer news and gossip

Conway's agent holds talks with Rangers

Former Dundee United man Craig Conway's agent has held informal talks with Rangers yesterday. The 26-year-old is a free agent after leaving Tannadice at the end of the season. (Scotsman)

The Ibrox side are close to signing Maccabi Haifa striker Tomer Hemed, who said last night he was "excited" by the prospect of signing for the Ibrox club under Ally McCoist. (Daily Record)

But the move hangs in the balance with Spanish sides Real Mallorca and Espanyol also in the hunt. (Daily Express)

McLeish set for Villa Park

Alex McLeish will be appointed Aston Villa manager today, according to the Times.

Any hopes that McLeish would be embraced by Aston Villa fans have been dashed after a number gathered outside Villa Park to protest against the potential appointment. Graffiti, describing McLeish as "Bluenose scum', had to be removed from a wall at club's training ground as talks between the former Scotland boss and Villa's hierarchy continued. (Various)

O'Connor back at Easter Road

Gary O'Connor, the former Scotland striker who was a free agent since leaving Barnsley, has signed a one-year contract at Hibs. He says he will repay Colin Calderwood for the chance to revive his career. (various)

Brown the key to Celtic's title hopes

Former Celtic defender Tom Boyd has said holding on to Scott Brown could be the key to the Parkhead club winning the league next season. (various)

Brown has apparently opened negotiations with the club over a contract extension. (The Sun)

They will do all they can to hang on to Brown and teammate Beram Kayal despite interest from the English Premiership. (The Sun)

Anthony Stokes has told Neil Danns, the Crystal Palace midfielder, he should move to Parkhead if given the choice this summer. Danns is said to be a transfer target for both Celtic and Rangers. (Daily Record)

The Parkhead club could also be in the hunt for Tunisian defender Yohan Benalouane. (Herald)

Killie turned down big names for Shiels

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston ignored a number of eye-catching CVs as he opted to install Kenny Shiels as the club's new manager.

Among the applicants were Hugo Sanchez, the former Real Madrid start, and former Liverpool no 2 Paco Herrera. (Daily Express)

Shiels' first signing, Paul Heffernan, has said he is confident he can become a top scorer for his new club. (The Sun)

In brief

• The second Old Firm derby of next season will take place midweek. (Various)

• Pedro Mendes, the former Rangers star, is leaving Sporting Lisbon and could be on his way to Russia (The Sun)

• Croatian defender Dino Svorc has said he would love a move to Scotland after a trial with Celtic (The Sun)

• Aberdeen 'keeper has been told he will be able to resume his career in October, despite suffering from a brain seizure a fortnight ago. (The Sun)

• Craig Brown and Archie Knox have dropped their employment tribunal claim against Motherwell. (Daily Mail)