The Rumour Mill: Wednesday's football news and transfer gossip

Cuellar 'excited' about Rangers interest

Carlos Cuellar, above, last night insisted he is "excited" about the prospect of returning to Rangers, after it emerged that Ally McCoist is preparing a bid for the defender. The Aston Villa star said that his reason for quitting Scottish football was to improve his chances of playing for Spain, an ambition that did not materialise. He added: "All I can say is when your name is linked with a big club like Rangers then everybody gets excited... I would have no problems coming back to play in the SPL." (Daily Record)

Both Old Firm clubs target Turk

Rangers and Celtic are set for a transfer tug-of-war after both clubs targeted Turkey centre-half Gorkhan Zan. The 29-year-old Galatasaray star is available on a free transfer after signalling his intention to quit the club to pursue his dream of playing abroad. He is currently on an eye-watering wage of 50,000-a-week, but is prepared to take a 50 per cent pay cut. This has alerted both Rangers boss Ally McCoist and his Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon. (The Sun)

• McCoist has told Bursaspor and all other potential suitors that Scotland star Steven Whittaker is not for sale. After knocking back a 300,000 offer from the Turkish club last week, McCoist confirmed that Whittaker is part of his long-term plans. (Daily Express)

• McCoist has also said he has not given up hope of keeping Madjid Bougherra at Ibrox: "Hopefully, we can get all the boys signed up on new contracts, including Madjid. He is a player who I definitely want to keep at the club." (The Herald)

• Meanwhile, Rangers target Olivier Giroud has decided against a move to the SPL and has signed a new three-year deal at Montpellier. (The Herald)

Juarez puts loan move on ice

Efrain Juarez has put his loan move to Spanish outfit Real Zaragoza on hold until after his participation in the Gold Cup for Mexico. The unwanted Celtic star, who cost 2.5million last season, is poised for a 200,000 switch to the La Liga side after Neil Lennon told him he could find a new club. (Daily Record)

Hearts demand high prices

Hearts managing director David Southern says no players need to be sold - despite the recent influx of names at Tynecastle - and offers will only be accepted if it is the right deal for the club. He said: "We are in a position where we have the financial backing of the owner so we do not have to sell. But if we do sell we will get maximum value and there will already be a player in the squad to replace him." Defender Lee Wallace has been linked with Rangers and there are rumours surrounding the futures of defender Marius Zaliukas and keeper Marian Kello. (Daily Record)

• Ismael Bouzid has said he would love to stay in Scotland at Rangers of Celtic. The Algerian defender, who has just been released from Hearts, said: "If you have the chance to play there (for the Old Firm)) it would be good for you and I'll check with my agent when I return from holiday next week and see what is happening." (Daily Record)

Terry swung it for Tade

Gregory Tade has revealed the opportunity to work under Terry Butcher convinced him to move to Inverness. The French striker has agreed a one-year deal with Caley Thistle that will be completed when his current contract with Raith Rovers expires at the end of the month. Tade, who was also linked with several other SPL clubs, said: "Everybody knows Terry is a big man of football. He played for England and Rangers and what he has done with Adam Rooney has been great." (Various)

Rae of hope for Dons

Charlton have offered former Scotland star Gavin Rae a deal that could end Aberdeen's hopes of landing the 33-year-old midfielder. But the former Rangers player, released by Cardiff City at the end of the season, admitted that the lure of playing for his hometown club could still see him make the move back to the SPL. Rae said: "There is still a chance I will go to Aberdeen. I'm planning to speak to Craig Brown when I get back from holiday." (Daily Record)

'A historic day for Scottish football'

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan was last night savouring the emphatic adoption of his radical reform programme for the Scottish Football Association after it was passed without a single dissenting voice at Hampden. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Scottish referees have denied making demands to have their match fees increased to 1000 per game.

• St Mirren hope to sign Kilmarnock and Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell as a replacement for Paul Gallacher, who is set to join Dunfermline or St Johnstone. (Daily Express)

• Dundee are on the verge of signing Steven Milne and Ryan Conroy. Milne could return to Dens Park after being released by Ross County at his own request, while former Celtic kid Conroy is seen as the ideal replacement for Craig Forsyth, who is expected to join Crystal Palace later this month. (Daily Record)

• Dunfermline full-back Calum Woods will today sign for Huddersfield Town on a two-year deal. The former Liverpool youngster, 24, had a medical yesterday. (The Sun)

• Huddersfield are also expected to make a move for highly-rated Falkirk player Ryan Flynn. (Daily Express)

• Hamilton have signed Stenhousemuir winger Grant Anderson only 12 months after the 24-year-old made the step up from junior side Rob Roy.

• Morton have snapped up freed St Johnstone striker Andy Jackson - and hope to add his former team-mate Peter MacDonald.

• East Fife have completed the signings of Andrew Cook and David White from Brechin City. The Fifers have also signed Darren Smith from Alloa and Scott Dalziel from Stenhousemuir.

• Martin Jol was yesterday confirmed as the new manager of Fulham, following the resignation of Mark Hughes last week.

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