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

• Ortiz (left) does battle with Barcelona star Andres Iniesta

Juanma close to signing Rangers deal

Spanish utility player Juan Manuel Ortiz is understood to be close to signing for Rangers. The 29-year-old, who is currently contracted to Spanish side Almeria, normally plays on the right of midfield but has featured in various positions during his career. He was reported to have been at Murray Park yesterday for talks. (The Scotsman)

• Allan McGregor and Steven Whittaker both hope to finish their respective careers at Rangers after signing long-term contracts for the Ibrox club. Goalkeeper McGregor, 29, who came through the youth ranks at the Govan club, confirmed yesterday that he had penned a new six-year deal. Whittaker, 27, recently the subject of several rejected bids from Turkish club Bursaspor, signed on for another five years. (Various)

• Norwegian twins Tom and Kim Skogsrud have joined their Rangers team-mates for training. The defensive pair, 18, moved from Manchester City in the summer. (The Sun)

• Rangers target Carlos Cuellar looks set to stay at Aston Villa after saying he is ready for the new season at the Birmingham club. (The Sun)

Stoke to battle Celtic for Bellamy

Stoke are set to take on Celtic in the race for Craig Bellamy's signature after launching a move for the Welsh striker. Potters boss Tony Pulis is keen on the experienced forward as the club prepare for European football. (Daily Record)

Wolves eye Wallace

Hearts left-back Lee Wallace is being targeted by Wolves as the race to sign him this summer gathers pace. The 23-year-old is a target for Rangers, who recently had a bid of 300,000 turned down by the Gorgie club. (Daily Record)

Trio on trial for Dons

Craig Brown welcomed three more trialists to Aberdeen's Dutch training base in Papendal yesterday. The Dons boss will look at German pair Andreas Rossl and Thomas Gentner plus Bosnian player Edis Colic. (The Sun)

Chinese interest in Riordan

Chinese side Shaanxi Chanba are said to be the lastest club to express an interest in Derek Riordan, the former Hibs striker who has already turned down a lucrative move to MLS side Houston Dynamo. (Evening News)

Mackail-Smith opts for a move to Brighton

Brighton have won the race to sign Scotland internationalist Craig Mackail-Smith from Peterborough for a fee which could rise to a reported 3.25million. Leicester appeared favourites to capture the sought-after striker, who has signed a four-year deal, while West Ham also had a bid accepted by Peterborough for the 27-year-old. (The Scotsman)

Tevez reveals his wish is to leave City

Carlos Tevez wants to quit Manchester City. The Light Blues skipper informed the club of his intentions last night in a short statement that cited a desire to be closer to daughters Katie and Florencia. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels will run the rule over ex-Celtic striker Ben Hutchison, 23, after he was freed by the Parkhead club. (The Sun)

• St Mirren boss Danny Lennon is keen to secure defender Darren McGregor, 25, on a long term contract. (The Sun)

• Falkirk boss Steven Pressley is hoping to re-sign Tam McManus. The striker was released at the end of last season, but has returned for pre-season training. (Daily Record)

• Cowdenbeath have signed a pay-as-you-play deal with Joe Mbu.

• Inverness Caley Thistle have given two-year deals to Andrew Shinnie and Josh Meekings.

• Burnley defender and club captain Graham Alexander has left the club by mutual consent. The 39-year-old Scottish internationalist has reached a settlement with the club to cancel the remaining one year of his contract as a player and coach with the Turf Moor club.

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