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

Bye-bye- Boydie

SPL goalscoring record-breaker Kris Boyd finally - finally - ended months of speculation by quitting Rangers and signing a two-year contract with English Championship side Middlesbrough (Scotsman).

The former Kilmarnock striker, who had been linked with (in no particular order) Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Turkish side Kayserispor, will team up with a growing band of Scots brought to the Riverside stadium by Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan.

Mexican in Celtic's sights

CELTIC have launched a dramatic bid to sign Mexico's World Cup winger Pablo Barrera, reports The Scottish Sun. The 23-year-old's agent travelled to Glasgow last week for talks with Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell

Ledley lands in Glasgow

Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley arrived in Glasgow last night to discuss a potential move to Celtic (Daily Record). Neil Lennon faces competition for his signature from English Premiership sides West Brom and Stoke.

Gers Brunt bid?

RANGERS are considering a move for West Brom's Northern Ireland winger Chris Brunt, claims the Daily Express. The player would attract a fee in the region of 2 million.

Sturrock back in business

FORMER Dundee United manager Paul Sturrock is back in football as manager of English League Two side Southend (Daily Mail). He had been out of work since leaving Plymouth last season.

Shorts:

• Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers are on the trail of freed Celtic full-back Lee Naylor

• Former Rangers manager Paul Le Guen, who quit as Cameroon boss after their World Cup exit, has been linked with the vacant Australia coach's job.

• Fernando Torres is on the verge of quitting Liverpool.