The Rumour Mill: Thursday's football news and gossip

Shay Given stokes Celtic rumours

Out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given, above, has insisted that he would love to move to Celtic and that a wage cut would not deter him. The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland star was a boyhood fan of the Parkhead club, who are looking for a new keeper after Fraser Forster's return to Newcastle. He said: "It's no secret that I have supported Celtic all of my life... I would just like to start playing football again." (Daily Record)

• Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre claims Liverpool are keen to sign him this summer. The Honduran, who is also a target for Aston Villa, said: "It is flattering to any player that Liverpool shows an interest in your services. But I don't know anything and I have left everything in the hands of my agent and club officials." (Daily Express)

• Celtic target Gordon Schildenfeld will make a decision on his future next month. Scouts from Parkhead are understood to have watched the 1.5million-rated Croatian defender in action for Sturm Graz in recent weeks. (The Herald)

Eremenko set for Old Firm talks

The Old Firm are set to battle it out for Kilmarnock playmaker Alexei Eremenko. The Finnish star and his agent will meet both Rangers and Celtic at the beginning of next week to discuss where his future lies. Eremenko, who spent last season on loan at Rugby Park from Ukrainian outfit Metalist Kharkiv, would cost around 1million. (Daily Record)

• Rangers have missed out on signing Algerian midfielder Lazhar Hadj Aissa because of work permit problems. (The Herald)

Kenyan attracts Old Firm attention

Celtic and Rangers could also go head to head in a race to sign Kenyan international Victor Wanyama. The 19-year-old holding midfielder is ready to quit Belgian outfit Germinal Beerschot this summer and the club's sporting director claimed that the Glasgow clubs are set to challenge frontrunners Standard Liege for his services. (Daily Mail)

Sutton took brother's advice on Hearts

John Sutton, the striker who has left Motherwell to sign for Hearts, asked his elder brother Chris what he thought of the move. Sutton senior, the former Celtic player, recalled what a tough venue it had been to play at, saying that the commitment of the home supporters, a major factor in that toughness, would work in favour of his brother if he accepted Jim Jefferies' offer. (The Scotsman)

• Hearts got their preparation for next season off to a flying start yesterday by signing three players - Jamie Hamill, Danny Grainger and the aforementioned Sutton, all free agents. Last night the Tynecastle club were understood to be closing in on a fourth new name, Zander Diamond, while also keeping alive the possibility of signing Mehdi Taouil. (The Scotsman)

Vaz Te told to wait

Hibs boss Colin Calderwood has told Ricardo Vaz Te he will have to wait to find out if he is still needed at Easter Road. The former Bolton forward joined Hibs on a short-term deal in February, but Calderwood insists he will explore all his options before making a decision on the ex-Portugal Under-21. (The Sun)

Rae has sights set on Aberdeen

Former Scotland midfielder Gavin Rae claims Aberdeen are the only team who could tempt him back to the SPL. The playmaker, who was released by Cardiff following their play-off failure, said: "Aberdeen are the only team I would sign for in Scotland. I grew up supporting them." (Daily Express)

Whyte responds to criticism

New Rangers ownder Craig Whtye has issued a stern response to sacked chairman Alastair Johnston's criticisms on Tuesday, accusing some former board members at Ibrox of being reluctant to embrace change. (The Scotsman)

Managers battle it out fot award

Three managers will tonight vie for the title of First Division manager of the year at the Irn Bru SFL End of Season awards, although only one, Jim McIntyre, can take satisfaction from knowing that he has achieved the ultimate goal. (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Ex-Hamilton striker Mickael Antoine-Curier has pulled out of the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament next month in a bid to find a club in Scotland.

• St Johnstone have made a bid for Kilmarnock's Frazer Wright. Saints boss Derek McInnes is seeking defensive cover after Michael Duberry signalled his intention to return to England.

• St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

• Paul Lambert has signed a "new and improved" contract as manager of Norwich City.

• Blackpool have activated a clause in Charlie Adam's contract which in theory gives him another 12 months at Bloomfield Road, but it is unlikely to prevent the Scotland midfielder moving this summer.

• Queen of the South have announced they will remain a full-time club for next season as the Doonhamers step up their search for a new manager.

• Brechin City have signed former Hearts and Raith Rovers striker Graham Weir - probably to replace in-demand top scorer Rory McAllister.

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