The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Rangers buy-out latest

Administrators Duff and Phelps have rejected Brian Kennedy’s bid to take over Rangers, reportedly because his bid was considered too low. (Scotsman)

Kennedy has now reportedly agreed to back the ‘Blue Knights’, led by Paul Murray. (Record)

Former Rangers director Martin Bain has dropped his legal action against the club for breach of contract.

Rangers owner Craig Whyte has been ordered to appear in person in front of an SFA judicial panel after failing in his bid to have the hearing put back until July.

The panel is holding an enquiry into Whyte’s stewardship of Rangers. He failed to attend the principal hearing yesterday.

West Brom consider McGregor and Naismith move

Steven Naismith and Allan McGregor are both on the radar of West Brom with Roy Hodgson keen to take advantage of the pay cut deal both players signed which has slashed their sell-on value.

The Sun reports that both players could be bought for a total of £3.5m.

Smith says Celtic deserve title

Former Rangers manager Walter Smith dismissed any talk of a “tainted title” heading ti Parkhead and inisted that Neil Lennon’s side deserve to be champions. (Mail)

Celtic lose appeal against Cha dismissal

An SFA fast track tribunal has rejected Celtic’s appeal against the red card issued during the Parkhead side’s 3 - 0 defeat to Rangers last weekend. (Scotsman)

Ross County ground-share given go-ahead

Promotion favourites Ross County will be allowed to share stadia with local rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle should, as is expected, they be promoted to the SPL next season.

A meeting of the SPL board approved the application for the Dingwall side to play their home games at the Caledonian Stadium due their current home, Victoria Park, not meeting SPL requirements. (Scotsman)

Dunfermlinse closing in on Spanish keeper

Jim Jefferies is edging close to his first signing as Dunfermline manager with Bernardo Dominguez agreeing a move to East End Park in principal subject to international clearance. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• A group of Inverness ex-pats have invested £250,000 in the Highland club

• Livingston have signed former Hibs defender Kevin McCann until the end of the season

• Motherwell defender Nicky Devlin has signed for Stenhousemuir until the end of the season