The Rumour Mill: Tuesday’s Scottish football transfer news and gossip

Kilmarnock given until Tuesday to pay £16,000 bill - or face a winding-up order

Kilmarnock have until noon today to pay an outstanding bill if they are to avoid a winding-up petition. It was revealed at the weekend that Craig Stevenson, owner of Braehead Foods, had sent a winding-up letter over cash he claims is owed to him by the Rugby Park side.

MacRoberts Debt Recovery confirmed on Monday that sheriff officers will serve the club with a winding-up petition if the club, which has debts totalling nearly £10 million, refuses to settle the debt with Stevenson.

The food group boss denied attempting to unsettle chairman Michael Johnston ahead of Thursday’s agm claiming he was unaware there was a meeting this week.

Stevenson has been criticised in local circles for threatening the Rugby Park side with legal action over their failure to pay for supplies to the club’s Park Hotel, but the former Killie season ticket holder claims Johnston is to blame.

A spokesman for MacRoberts Debt Recovery confirmed on Monday that a winding-up letter had been sent to Kilmarnock last week, saying: “We will take all necessary steps to help our client recover his money.

“If we’ve not heard back by noon on Tuesday, then the next step is to issue a winding-up petition.” (Daily Mail)

Celtic face sweat over Hooper after striker turns down contract extension

Norwich target Gary Hooper has reportedly turned down a contract extension at Parkhead, hours after Celtic turned down a second bid for their striker from the Canaries.

A £5 million bid was rejected by the club last week, with manager Neil Lennon insisting it was well short of the club’s valuation of the player.

It is claimed that Hooper has refused to sign a new contract as the terms are not in line with the club’s highest earners, and has long expressed a desire to play in English football’s top tier.

Meanwhile, Neil Lennon has out his faith in Tunisian international striker Lassad Nouioui to chip in with a few goals. Lennon warned that it would take time for the striker to settle in Scotland, but a goal against Hearts at the weekend could have kickstarted a run for Lassad. (various)

Ross County snap up former Bayern Munich striker

Derek Adams has plundered the transfer market once again as he added a third signing to join Ivan Sproule and Evangelos Ikonomou at Victoria Park. Striker Steffen Wohlfarth, who was once on Bayern Munich’s books, joined the Staggies from SV Wehen Wiesbaden, who compete in Germany’s third tier.

Having scored 12 goals in 52 games, Wohlfarth will add firepower to the County attack.

The club have also released Mark Corcoran, who managed just 21 appearances and 1 goal since joining the side in 2010, and are still awaiting clearance for Canadian international Andre Hainault. (various)

Scottish football news in brief

• Former Aberdeen winger Ryan Fraser has admitted his biggest ambition was to play in England, as the diminutive Scot defended his switch to Bournemouth.

• The SFA have confirmed that no action will be taken over Gary Deegan’s challenge on Gary Irvine. Referee Craig Charleston called a halt to the match so Irvine could receive treatment.

• Motherwell’s Henrik Ojaama has been called up to the Estonian squad who will face Scotland at Pittodrie in Gordon Strachan’s first match in charge.

• Vancouver Whitecaps have confirmed former Celtic and Dundee United midfielder Barry Robson will leave the club, having failed to settle in Canada. The player reportedly fancies a move back to the UK.

• Dundee are said to be considering a move for former St Johnstone and Dundee United striker Jason Scotland, and are believed to be taking Faroese international Pol Johannus Justinussen on trial.

• St Johnstone are weighing up a loan move for QPR youngster Michael Doughty, whilst Peter Pawlett may be set to return to Aberdeen to alleviate the problems caused by the Dons’ lengthy injury list. The Saints captain, Dave McKay, is also due to agree a contract extension this week.