Rumour Mill: Rangers close in on Garner | Dundee eye Juanma | Rangers & SFA in bust-up

Joe Garner is due to hold talks with Rangers in the next 24 hours. Picture: Getty Images

Gers to complete Garner signing

RANGERS have reportedly had an offer of £1.5 million accepted by Preston North End for striker Joe Garner.

The 28-year-old is believed to have turned down the chance to stay at Deepdale and looks set to join Mark Warburton’s strikeforce at Ibrox.

The deal could be completed within the next day or so, with the Blackburn-born forward due in Glasgow for talks. (Daily Express)

Dundee eye Juanma switch

DUNDEE have been linked with a surprise move for Hearts striker Juanma.

The Spaniard has found himself out of favour in recent weeks, with Conor Sammon, Tony Watt and Robbie Muirhead preferred. Robbie Neilson criticised his attitude recently, adding: “He’s not been doing great in training and in games.”

But Dundee boss Paul Hartley is thought to view the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Greg Stewart and could make a move before the end of the transfer window. (Scottish Sun)

Hibs close to Shinnie deal but Hendo return ‘unlikely’

NEIL Lennon has revealed he’s confident Birmingham City midfielder Andrew Shinnie will be joining Hibernian on a season-long deal - but a return for Liam Henderson looks ‘unlikely’.

Lennon said of Shinnie: “We have spoken to Birmingham. I’ve spoken to the player and I think more or less everything is in agreement. Andrew wanted to sort out a few personal issues. Hopefully we will have an answer today.”

But asked if Henderson, could be returning, Lennon added: “I would doubt that very much. I think Brendan would like the opportunity to work with him - I do not think the kid wants to go out on loan any more.” (Evening News)

Doncaster defends SPFL ‘joker game’ system

SPFL chief Neil Doncaster has defended the system that allowed Celtic to postpone their league match against Partick Thistle, insisting the move has given Scottish clubs a financial boost.

Jags boss Alan Archibald branded the postponement ‘farcical’, while Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers admitted he would have personally preferred to have played the league match.

But Doncaster said: “I understand the inconvenience it can cause for clubs, but it’s a balancing act. To have our champions invited to such a prestigious tournament is a huge accolade and brings positives.

“It reflects well on the league and at a time when money is tight, these sort of tournaments can bring revenue into the game.” (Scottish Sun)

Rangers and SFA in Scottish Cup bust-up

RANGERS and the SFA are at loggerheads over claims Stewart Regan cancelled a meeting yesterday - and then tried to claim it was never scheduled to take place.

The Daily Record reports that Regan and Gers managing director Stewart Robertson set up a meeting last week to discuss the Bowen Report into the Scottish Cup final chaos in May.

Regan said: “There was no meeting, nothing finalised, nothing arranged. It was literally left that we weren’t going to get involved because of the independent process.”

But a Rangers spokesman insisted the club had ‘written confirmation’ of the meeting, requested by the Gers to discuss ‘inconsistencies and inaccuracies’ in the Cup Final report. (Daily Record

McNaughton blow after Achilles injury

INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle defender Kevin McNaughton’s season is over after he sustained an Achilles injury in the Highland derby against Ross County and had to undergo surgery.

The veteran stopper, who has had spells at Aberdeen, Cardiff, Bolton and Wigan, is unlikely to play again this campaign. (Daily Star)

Shiels blasts ‘predictable’ and ‘flawed’ Rangers

FORMER Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels has branded Rangers ‘predictable’ and ‘flawed’ as he suggested that the Ibrox side would have a ‘mediocre season because teams know how to play against them’.

The Derry City boss added: “There is no mix in how he plays. I’m worried for Rangers. They’ve brought in Joey Barton and others but I’m not sure about the system they have.” (The Scotsman)

No Scots at Old Trafford - for the first time since 1902

MANCHESTER United have no Scots among their management team or first team squad for the first time since their renaming in 1902 from Newton Heath.

Following the departure of Scotland Under-21 defender Donald Love - born in Rochdale - to Sunderland, United are entirely Scot-free.

Glasgow-born striker Jack Peddie was the first Scot at the club, which can also count Sir Alex Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Sir Matt Busby, Gordon Strachan, Gordon McQueen, Lou Macari and Paddy Crerand among its Scottish representatives. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Damir Skomina - who was conned into awarding Lithaunia a penalty against Scotland after ex-Hearts player Saulius Mikoliunas dived in a Euro 2008 qualifier - will take charge of Celtic’s match with Hapoel Be’er Sheva

• Motherwell defender Louis Laing has joined Notts County on a five-month loan. Laing has battled back from injury but failed to establish himself in the Fir Park first team

• Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has backed Tony Watt to hit the goal trail after he completed his first 90 minutes in seven months at the weekend

Rumour Mill: Rangers close in on Garner | Dundee eye Juanma | Rangers & SFA in bust-up | Hibs '˜unlikely to get Henderson'