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Allan McGregor has emerged as Arsenals top transfer target despite Rangers insisting that the goalkeeper is not for sale. Watching Switzerland U21 v Czech Republic U21? Check in with fanatix Switzerland U21 v Czech Republic U21 live streaming Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is in the market for an experienced keeper, and sees the Scotland number one as the ideal solution to his problem position. The Frenchmans repeated failure to buy an assured stopper has partly contributed to the clubs six-year trophy drought, with Manuel Almunia and Wojciech Szczesny less than convincing between the sticks. Wenger is now prepared to test Rangers owner Craig Whytes resolve with a 12million bid for the 29-year-old. New Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is also said to be interested in McGregor, and could offer his old club Carlos Cuellar as part of a deal. But Whyte told the Daily Record: "I've said that McGregor is not for sale. We haven't been approached by anyone about him so far. "As far as Cuellar is concerned we have made a formal offer. We are actively discussing it." Whyte confirmed his intention to bolster the squad, adding: "We would like to get some signings in as soon as possible but don't want to bring in the wrong players. http://www.fanatix.com/arsenal-ready-12m-bid-for-proven-stopper/

Did anyone see it? Basically he was asked about our transfer targets, stadium and the upcoming case with HMRC. He said that "there's a deal to be done" regarding Cuellar. Re Goodwillie: under negotiation. Re Wallace: an offer was made and it was rejected. Clubs some way apart in their valuation of the player. Re Ibrox: it's currently being upgraded. Re the old board members: I was willing to work with them but they weren't willing to work with me. Re HMRC: We'll win the case. In a nutshell really.

Im starting to get pissed off with the severe lack of transfer activity. There has been plenty of talk about how much McCoist will have to spend (12 mill allegedly) but so far we have only courted a bosman deal and nothing else. Training starts very shortly and the new season will be on us pretty soon and i have to say i expected a few faces to be in the door considering the early start to the season. The new owners have talked the talk. time they started walking the walk.

I don't know if I am going to be shocked with the level of debt we have when announced but Whyte does seem to be getting things going.

SCENE ONE. Enter stage right the Whyte knight of Rangers. His takeover deal is sealed and he strides purposefully towards Ibrox alongside his father Tom as adoring fans holler their thanks and rush to hug him. SCENE TWO: Far from the madding crowd in a quiet room in the bowels of Murray Park, Gers' �£14million training complex. The new chairman plots the transfer swoops he prays will secure a fourth championship in a row with boss Ally McCoist - the striker he once hailed as a hero from the Copland Road. FREEZE FRAME: We sit round a table in a Glasgow restaurant and Craig Whyte admits his Rangers story so far has felt like a script from a Hollywood movie. In the weeks since he swept into power at Rangers, to end Sir David Murray's trophy-filled 23 years in charge of the SPL champs, Whyte has faced the fiercest of scrutiny. The old regime went down kicking and screaming. Former chairman Alastair Johnston told Gers fans to be vigilant, that the new owner was worth watching. Whyte will have his say on those wounding words in SunSport on Monday, but yesterday he was relishing the challenge of being the new Mr Rangers too much for that. A wry smile played on his lips as he admitted: "I knew there was a circus that exists around Rangers, but I thought it would die down after two days. I know better now. "There are still times when I am sitting there planning our next move with Coisty at Murray Park where it feels like we are in a movie. "It's not what I expected to be doing at this stage of my life, but I am relishing it. "It is something to savour and enjoy for all the pressures it brings with it. "I have had to sign the first autographs of my life - normally I just sign cheques - and I still find that a bit surreal. "That walk down Edmiston Drive before the Hearts game will live with me forever. "To get applauded that way was amazing and I have to admit it was like living outside yourself and looking at someone else starring in a movie. "I think that is a very good way to describe it. "Mind you, I know if things go wrong then I could be getting the opposite reaction one day!" That is the nature of life in the Old Firm jungle. Whyte knows he will be judged brutally should his regime falter even in its early days. For now all the 40-year-old financial expert asks for is a chance to get his feet under the desk in a job he feels will challenge him to the limit. He added: "There are times in life when you either grab opportunities like this or you don't have the balls to do it. "Buying Rangers was like that for me. "I think there is great potential and I can add value to this fantastic club. I feel we can develop the commercial side and enhance the brand of Rangers and keep achieving where it matters most - ON the pitch. "It is is not the biggest business deal I will do in my career, but it is the most life-changing one. "I could have gone on living my life under the radar, but this felt right." This is Plan B. When Whyte first became involved in the bid to buy Rangers he planned to be the money man in the background. Former Northampton chairman Andrew Ellis was at first poised to be the front man with Whyte the financial muscle. But Ellis, the son of former QPR chairman Peter Ellis, carried too much baggage from the failed adventure into the Rangers quest though. He faded into the background and it was boyhood Gers fan Whyte, educated at Knowetop Primary School in Motherwell, who was thrust into centre stage. From the hedge fund to the transfer kitty, London's Square Mile to Govan's square go. Whyte has had to adjust to his new job rapidly in a climate of suspicion in some circles - and outright animosity from departing chairman Alastair Johnston. Whyte said: "The fans have been supportive to me and I will be judged on how the team perform. "Rangers fans know there have been issues with the previous board. "There were those on that board who would have wished this deal didn't go through. That was obvious. The negative stories came from those sources." Whyte must now also wrestle with the spectre of sectarianism as Gers face up to a travelling ban of one away game in Europe after a UEFA crackdown. It's clear that while he will fight to banish bigtory from Ibrox the new Gers supremo will stand behind his law-abiding supporters. He added: "I will be 100 per cent behind our fans and I will defend them. We're going to make things happen and I feel we have done a lot regarding sectarianism already. "I don't think changing the law will change the culture of the west of Scotland, but I have had talks with Alex Salmond. "I just want even-handed treatment for Rangers fans and that's what we will be monitoring." For now, though, Whyte will plot the way ahead with McCoist after the drama of a title finale he will always cherish. He pointed out: "During the games in the run-in this time I was just a fan willing Rangers to win. "At Kilmarnock I was sitting there desperate to see us lift that trophy. "I woke up that morning certain we were going to go to the last ten minutes. "Then six minutes in we were three up and we were champions, and those were six of the best minutes of my life. "It was brilliant and it was something I will remember for the rest of my time on this earth. "Then we had 35,000 people back at Ibrox for the party and that's when it comes home to you how important this club is in the lives of people. Once you've had memories like that you want more of them." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3645693/I-walked-down-Edmiston-Drive.html#ixzz1PbYGnxvp

FIT-AGAIN Ger Kirk Broadfoot has urged new boss Ally McCoist to give him the chance to become central to his Ibrox revolution. The Scotland cap, who missed the title run-in with an ankle injury and then a fractured foot, has started his pre-season four weeks early in a bid to get the new season up and running from the first whistle. McCoist has made a central defender his summer priority, as the futures of captain Davie Weir and Madjid Bougherra still have to be ironed out, and that is a position that is no stranger to Broadfoot. He played there at St Mirren and believes thatââ?¬â?¢s his strongest position and would love to get the chance to fill that void with the Scottish champions. Broadfoot said: ââ?¬Å?Centre half has always been my main position. ââ?¬Å?It is the position I prefer to play. ââ?¬Å?It was only when I came to Rangers that I was moved out to right back. ââ?¬Å?Donââ?¬â?¢t get me wrong ââ?¬â?? I would play anywhere for Rangers, but if I had a choice I would want to play at centre-half. ââ?¬Å?I know Walter Smith put me out to full back so I could learn the position and get more experience. ââ?¬Å?I feel I have done that and I am now a better player because of that, but I see myself in the long-run being a centre half. ââ?¬Å?I feel that is my more natural position, but at the end of the day it will be up to the gaffer. ââ?¬Å?I have the utmost respect for the manager and whatever he decides I will stick by him. ââ?¬Å?He knows that wherever I am asked to play for Rangers, I will go out and give 100 per cent.ââ?¬Â Broadfoot is in no doubt that McCoist will step up and follow in the success-filled footsteps of Smith. He was a big part of Smithââ?¬â?¢s success and Broadfoot is confident the SPL champions will remain on the trophy trail under him. ââ?¬Å?I am in no doubt that the manager will do well,ââ?¬Â he added. ââ?¬Å?He is a born winner and that shines through in everything he does. ââ?¬Å?You see how competitive he is, even in training. ââ?¬Å?He never likes to lose at anything and there is no doubt he will have his team tuned in a similar way. ââ?¬Å?The manager also knows the game inside out. He has played at the top level and he has also worked under a top manager in Walter Smith, so all that experience will also stand him in good stead. ââ?¬Å?He is also a clever and intelligent guy and he will also know what he wants and what he needs to bring future success to Rangers.ââ?¬Â McCoist still has to delve into the transfer market, has lost last termââ?¬â?¢s loan quartet of El Hadji Diouf, Ricky Foster, Vladimir Weiss and Kyle Bartley and decisions still have to be taken on David Healyââ?¬â?¢s future and also Weirââ?¬â?¢s. Broadfoot knows that last seasonââ?¬â?¢s Co-op Insurance Cup and SPL winners need to bolster their squad as Celtic will come back stronger ââ?¬â?? looking to steal their crown. The versatile defender said: ââ?¬Å?There is no doubt the manager needs the financial backing to add to his squad. ââ?¬Å?The new owner has said that will happen and I am sure it will. ââ?¬Å?We definitely need to add a few new faces to our squad. ââ?¬Å?We were a bit short last season and also a couple of new faces also helps to give the whole place a lift.ââ?¬Â The former St Mirren star also canââ?¬â?¢t wait to get started under McCoist, having been forced to write off the business end of last season. Broadfoot said: ââ?¬Å?It was just a nightmare last season. ââ?¬Å?I hurt my ankle back in September and then played on with it until December when I eventually had to go in for an operation. ââ?¬Å?Then everything was fine, I did all my rehabilitation and I ended up fracturing my foot. ââ?¬Å?It was really frustrating ââ?¬â?? you want to play in every game and I missed a lot of football. ââ?¬Å?But hopefully I am now over all my injury problems and I can get an injury-free run. ââ?¬Å?I have been in the gym for the last four weeks just doing strengthening work and making sure that when I do go back for pre-season I am ready to go for the new campaign.ââ?¬Â Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/252817/Kirk-Broadfoot-claims-he-can-fill-Rangers-defensive-gapKirk-Broadfoot-claims-he-can-fill-Rangers-defensive-gap#ixzz1PKiwbJNh

Another 48 hours!

RANGERS stand to rake in �£1.3million as Charlie Adam's Anfield dream moved a step closer to reality last night. SunSport can reveal the Scotland star is finally poised to become a Liverpool player by the end of the week. Adam was distraught when Blackpool knocked back a bid of �£10m from Liverpool in January. But Kop boss Kenny Dalglish never dropped his interest and with the Anfield side confident they can get their man for �£9m now, talks will gather pace in the next 48 hours now Adam is back from holiday. Former Gers ace Adam has just 12 months left on his contract which is why Liverpool are supremely confident that a �£9m bid will seal the deal. That would net Ibrox boss Ally McCoist a handsome windfall. Rangers included a sell-on clause when Adam joined Blackpool. The midfielder, though, had feared he would be priced out of the move because so too many parties will receive a piece of his transfer fee. Blackpool's Latvian co-owner Valeri Belokon is entitled to a massive 30 per cent after personally financing Adam's �£500,000 move from Gers two years ago. The SPL champions are also due 15 per cent while Adam will pocket 10 per cent. Seasiders boss Ian Holloway will also receive a small portion after recruiting the 25 year-old. Manchester United and Spurs have also been linked with moves for Adam, but it seems the midfielder is destined to link up with Steven Gerrard and �£20m new boy Jordan Henderson in the heart of the Liverpool midfield next season. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/3635398/Coistys-near-to-Adam-kitty.html#ixzz1PEbBWhPW

HOME is where the heart is. And right now for Mancunian Kyle Bartley that feels like Ibrox. Arsenal star Bartley took to Rangers from day one after arriving on a short-term loan close to the shutting of the January transfer window. The calm and collected centre-half made an immediate impression for the champions on and off the pitch. So much so that the popular Bartley is now being treated like part of the Rangers family. His Gers pals are desperate to see the ex-England youth ace return to the club for the 2011-12 campaign. Bartley knows that because they are forever texting him to see what's going on - and if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will grant Ally McCoist's wish to again borrow a player of real potential. The 20-year-old - with one game for the Gunners in the Champions League against Olympiakos in 2009 - doesn't hide the fact he'd jump at the chance to sign for the Gers again. Bartley, to be fair, also stresses he still sees his long-term future at the Emirates. But Rangers made a huge impression on him. And he'd love to return to win medals - having suffered the agony of injury robbing him of Co-op Cup and title glory. Bartley opened his heart to Scotland's No1 paper and said: "I was only at Rangers for a short while. But I've got so many good memories. I couldn't have been treated any better by the people there, from Walter Smith and the coaching staff to the players and everyone behind the scenes. "I loved it at Rangers and if I was to get another opportunity to play there it would be fantastic. "I'm a professional and Arsenal are my club. I'm under contract and it will be Arsene Wenger who decides what's best for me. "But it's no secret that the idea of another loan spell with Rangers would be very attractive. "The only negative for me was the knee injury I suffered which cut short my season. But I'm recovering well and I hope to get the all-clear from the specialist to step up my rehab work. "The target was always to be ready for the start of pre-season training - and I feel I'm on course for that. "Whether it's at Arsenal or Rangers, I'm determined to be 100 per cent fit. "But even when I was sidelined for Rangers I was made to feel a part of everything. "The scenes after the League Cup Final victory and the championship success were AMAZING. "I can't thank the Rangers fans enough for their best wishes and comments. They played such a big part in my experience in Scotland being so good. "I've made a lot of friends among the other players and they will remain so even if I've to stay at Arsenal. Vladimir Weiss, Maurice Edu, Kyle Lafferty, David Healy, Allan McGregor - they have all been texting me to see how things are and if I'll be coming back to Rangers. "Even Davie Weir's kept in touch. I learned plenty from him. He's a great guy. It's like I'm part of the Rangers family and it means a lot to me." New Rangers chief scout Neil Murray is understood to have handed manager McCoist a detailed list of five potential transfer targets for every position. Of special interest is defenders - and Bartley is top choice among them. Intriguingly, as SunSport revealed, Liverpool and Scotland teenager Danny Wilson is also a candidate for an Ibrox return less than a year after leaving But Bartley is a key name McCoist has been willing to go public on - underlining his desire to persuade Wenger to commit to another deal. The rookie gaffer appreciates that man-management will be a critical aspect if he's to successfully follow in the footsteps of legend Walter Smith. Bartley added: "Ally made a point of talking about me and I appreciated that. "That he's so keen to get me back to Rangers has given me a great boost. "But I also don't think it's a case of Ally just trying to sweet-talk me. "I honestly feel he's the kind of guy who would've done it anyway. "Ally was brilliant for me at Rangers after I arrived and I'm certain he's going to prove a great manager. "Only time will tell if I'm going to play for him. We'll see. "The bottom line is I'm an Arsenal player and it's also a special club with a top manager. Whether or not I head back to Rangers is out of my hands." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3629093/Im-one-of-the-family.html#ixzz1OqnseUAu

THE case is compelling. The evidence impossible to ignore. Kyle Lafferty desperately wants new Rangers boss Ally McCoist to stick with him and Nikica Jelavic as the main hitmen for next season's four-in-a-row push - and with very good reason. Their partnership in last term's league run-in was sensational. Lafferty struck seven goals in the final six games of the season, Jelavic five in the same blistering period as the Gers powered to title glory. The big Northern Irishman loves playing alongside the �£4million Croat who missed three months of the season through injury - but still plundered 19 goals in 27 games. Jelavic has brought the best out of Lafferty who, for the third successive campaign, delivered when it really mattered, finishing on a career best 15 for the season. The 23-year-old's well aware that McCoist is trawling the transfer market for a new frontman - with Maccabi Haifa frontman Tomer Hemed, available on a Bosman, high on the list. He insists he welcomes the prospect of stronger competition. Lafferty is also convinced he and Jelavic can carry on from where they left off. More often than not, when Walter Smith selected both they scored, including a hat-trick for Lafferty and a double for Jelavic the first time in a 7-2 romp over Dunfermline last September. Laff told SunSport: "Nikica is the IDEAL partner for me. He's the dream striker to play alongside. "He's got everything that Boydy and Kenny Miller have rolled into one player. "He can be a second striker, he can be a target man. He's the striker that Rangers needed. "With the starts he had and the goals he got, well, it's just unbelievable really. "I think Nikica is brilliant and Rangers will have a fight on their hands to keep him, if not this summer then definitely in January. I love being his strike partner. "I don't know what it is that particularly makes us a good partnership. Every time we see each other we're high-fiving and I think we have a good bond off the field, although we don't speak that much away from games. "Nikica's English is good. He always talks to me before games, during and after. I take whatever he says on board. "If I'm on the bench I watch what he does but after just his first game for Rangers I knew right away he was a quality striker. "I knew I could learn a lot from him. "In fact, I've probably learned more this year playing alongside him than I have in my whole career. I really hope we can stay together. "I appreciate the fact that the manager will be looking at other strikers and a big club like Rangers will always be linked with signing quality performers. "Nikica and I linked up really well in the final months of the season. "Realistically, if our partnership is broken up then it will be because I've been dropped. Nikica will NEVER be dropped. I'll be the one who gets the chop. "I think the manager should give us a go at the start of the season. "I do still think we need another striker, whether that will be good for me or not, because I know I thrive on competition." Lafferty's at a loss to provide a reason why he truly hits top form at the end of a season. He said: "I train the same way from start to finish, I do all the same things. "Yet for some reason I really come on to my game in the closing stages. "It's in the last six weeks that I get most of my goals and my performances pick up. "I just wish I could score as regularly in the months BEFORE. "I don't want to be a player who is seen to be only turning up for the last couple of games to win the title. "Walter said to me at Kilmarnock after my hat-trick on the final day: 'We wouldn't have needed this if you had started scoring in the middle of the season!' We had a little bit of a joke about it. "Now I hope I can continue my form into Ally McCoist's first season as manager." Lafferty's never slow to confess when he's been foolish. The dive to get Charlie Mulgrew sent off two years ago, the red card against Hibs at the start of last season, the prank that led to a broken finger and cost him Champions League action against Manchester United and the Tweet which riled Celtic gaffer Neil Lennon after the Old Firm game in January are all right up there. His life with new partner and former Miss Scotland Nicola Mimnagh and impending fatherhood is helping to mature Lafferty. He also can't thank Gers No 2 Kenny McDowall and coach Ian Durrant enough. The �£3.25m former Burnley ace said: "I've met the right people on and off the field. They are looking after me. "I have no worries whatsoever. I've never felt happier with my life and my football. "I feel stress-free at the minute and I have been for a long time. "I'm playing my football with a smile on my face. "In football terms the people who have kept me going the most are Kenny McDowall and Durranty. "They can see when I'm down. They'll pull me over for a chat. "They will ask about myself and my game. "Kenny and Durranty stopped me from leaving Rangers. "I have always had a strong connection with Kenny. He's been like a second dad for me. He's been brilliant with me. "Every time I've scored I've gestured to him and he's responded. What I've achieved at Rangers is mainly down to Kenny. "I'm really delighted for him that he's become assistant manager. He deserves that. "So, too, does Coisty in being given the manager's job. "It's going to be a big ask in following Walter Smith. "There's no better man, however, because of his personality, his football brain, his attitude and heart." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3619903/All-I-want-is-a-chance-from-Coisty-to-show-IM-the-best-partner-hes-got-for-Jela.html#ixzz1OTpa9mI0

Bougherra to leave Rangers in the summer after invoking FIFA contract clause By Ewing Grahame Last updated at 10:57 PM on 4th June 2011 Madjid Bougherra has told Rangers he won’t be at Ibrox next season. It’s understood that the Algerian defender has sent a letter to the club by recorded delivery, informing them of his decision to invoke Article 17 of FIFA’s regulation for the Status and Transfer of players. Otherwise known as the Webster Ruling — after former Rangers defender Andy Webster, who became the first player to take advantage of the legislation when he walked out on Hearts in 2006 — it states that any player who is aged 28 or over can buy himself out of his contract two years after the deal was signed. This represents a significant change of stance from Bougherra, who will be 29 in October and joined Rangers from Charlton Athletic for Ã?£2.5million in July, 2008. He had previously stated during Rangers’ title runin he would be happy to play out another season at Ibrox in the final year of his deal, but would not sign a new contract beyond that. With this latest move, he can now effectively buy his freedom for his annual salary, which means Rangers would receive Ã?£1m for — or from — him. It’s understood clubs interested in Bougherra have been quoted up to Ã?£3m, but he is determined to leave on his own terms after providing Rangers with notice of his intentions within 15 days of the final league game of the season. This will be welcome news for former Ibrox striker Shota Arveladze, who Sportsmail revealed last week is trying to bring the Algerian to his Turkish club, Kayserispor. Webster set a precedent when he left Hearts for Wigan in 2006, despite having a year left on his contract at Tynecastle. Hearts, who were demanding Ã?£650,000 for the Scotland defender, pursued the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. But they ruled the Tynecastle club were entitled to just Ã?£150,000 in compensation. Meanwhile, Rangers coach Ian Durrant was in Riga to watch striker Tomer Hemed — revealed by Sportsmail as an Ibrox signing target — in action in Israel’s 2-1 Euro qualifier victory against Latvia.

Our transfer window in Scotland doesn't open until 1st July while it's already open down south, so they can sign players from Scottish clubs while we can't sign theirs, right? Obviously we can sign free agents outwith the window, but in the case of contracted players from down south, would we be able to sign them before 1st July without actually registering them and just register them with the SFA when our window opens up here? What about the youth players being brought in for the U17 and U19 squads like the two Norwegian lads? Do they not have to stick to the same transfer window period for registration? No doubt we've covered all this before, but my memory is terrible.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-best-players-available-on-a-bosman-free-transfer-2288799.html?action=Gallery

After some much needed R&R in the Lake District (minimal mobile reception and no wireless internet was bliss after a season like no other before), I was hoping to come back from holiday to good news. Yet, instead of answers to the simple questions we asked of our new owner last month, instead the club's ongoing situation appears more like an episode of 'Lost' than the beginning of a bright, transparent future. First, I find out of the few remaining board directors we do have, two have been suspended - Martin Bain and Donald McIntyre for alleged 'irregularities'. Next, we're told two others have been 'removed' despite one of them suggesting he'd be stepping down anyway. Finally, The Rangers FC Group Limited (formerly Wavetower) have announced a delay in a legally required shareholder 'circular' which we should have received a couple of weeks back. Add in a raft of other club changes - new corporate advisers among them, then if you weren't puzzled pre-takeover, you will be now! It is the afore-mentioned circular (due our next Monday) that should alleviate some of the pressure on the new owner. He should take this opportunity to reveal what his plans for the club are and how he intends to finance them. As it stands he seems to be the only executive director on the board of the club (Bain and McIntyre currently don't count for obvious reasons) so who else will be joining his team? After all - it won't be long until the new season starts; 3IAR or not, we can ill-afford to delay investment into the team given we only have 18 senior players (including Ness, Hutton and Wylde)! Indeed, until Whyte removes the mystery and uncertainty from his take-over, the negative rumours we all have heard of late will persist. Transfer policy confusion, managerial uncertainty and fiscal challenges are among them so it's disappointing that these have prevailed from pre to post-sale. What key players will be kept, what is our buying budget, is McCoist happy and how are we planning for tax outcomes? Perhaps another surprising aspect of the above is that no-one seems to be asking these valid questions on our behalf. Former chairman Alistair Johnston has rightly been criticised for his contribution to the confusion and hearsay of the last few months but we surely ignore his request of 'vigilance' at our peril? Yes, it's a pity he wasn't very vigilant during his spell as a director but I doubt sour grapes is his reason for his continued cynicism. What say our fan groups? The Assembly etc do seem very quiet - have they even met with Whyte yet? If not, why not? Unfortunately, as ever, there are more questions than answers for us ordinary supporters. It is extremely frustrating that we know little of our new owner's intentions for our club. Nevertheless, I think the support have been positive and accommodating while he makes himself comfortable in the custodian's chair. It's now beyond time for Mr Whyte to reciprocate this welcome by making us comfortable also. Our patience isn't limitless. No more waffle - definitive answers and clear strategy please. Seven days and counting.

From STV He would be a good bit of business

The high-net worth community reporting no confirmed transfer budgets, key players still likely to be sold, managerial uncertainty and one specific agent appointed to handle transfers. No doubt games are still being played by some so the forthcoming shareholder letter will be very interesting. Can Whyte prove his financial credentials for once and for all so we can all move on out of this mess!? Have the fan groups even met him yet?

CRAIG WHYTE, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ new majority shareholder, has responded bullishly to the demands made by deposed chairman Alastair Johnston that he must ââ?¬Å?walk the walk and not just ââ?¬Å?talk the talkââ?¬Â by reiterating his financial commitment to the club. Johnston, axed on Monday night along with director Paul Murray after the pair refused to resign, had called on supporters to ââ?¬Å?remain vigilant and continue to exert pressure on Mr Whyte to support the club financially as he has publically committed to doââ?¬Â. In a statement yesterday on the clubââ?¬â?¢s website, however, Whyte confirmed that Rangersââ?¬â?¢ debt to Lloyds Banking Group had been cleared, and insisted he remained committed to backing new manager Ally McCoist financially with a view to improving the squad. ââ?¬Å?It is a huge privilege and honour to have become the majority shareholder at Rangers Football Club,ââ?¬Â he said. ââ?¬Å?My commitment to take the club forward is unwavering and, like all Rangers supporters, I want to build on the tremendous success achieved by the team in recent years. ââ?¬Å?I believe most Rangers supporters understand that, as a result of the takeover, the clubââ?¬â?¢s debt to the Lloyds Banking Group has been cleared and I have repeatedly stated to the board my intentions to invest in the team. ââ?¬Å?I have had discussions with Ally McCoist regarding his ambition to secure players already playing for the club and also to bring new faces to the squad. These discussions will resume when Ally returns to Ibrox this week. ââ?¬Å?These are exciting times for Rangers and the clubââ?¬â?¢s supporters. This past seasonââ?¬â?¢s achievements were truly great and I am determined to continue that success for Rangers and our supporters around the world.ââ?¬Â As well as removing Johnston and Murray from their positions, Whyte has also suspended Martin Bain, Rangersââ?¬â?¢ chief executive, and Donald McIntyre, the finance director, pending an internal investigation. Whyte, who assumed ownership of the club on May 6, would not expand on the reasons behind their suspension, but tried to assuage supporters that changes were always inevitable following upheaval on this scale. Fears that Bainââ?¬â?¢s removal from office, and Whyteââ?¬â?¢s inexperience in running a football club, would leave Rangers rudderless with the transfer window set to reopen shortly, were dismissed by a source close to the new owner. ââ?¬Å?It is business as usual,ââ?¬Â said the source. ââ?¬Å?He has a team around him who are more than capable of dealing with contracts, financial matters and any other immediate business.ââ?¬Â Whyte will send a document to all 26,000 club shareholders before a deadline of June 6 explaining the background to his takeover, the financial commitments and other crucial details. http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/whyte-reiterates-his-unwavering-commitment-to-invest-in-rangers-1.1103530

With Martin Bain now suspended and highly likely to be departing as our CEO we have to wonder who will take charge of player contract renewals and our dealings in the transfer market. Given that it's a suspension can we assume that these matters are now indefinitely on hold until the CEO's position is resolved?

PFA transfer list enables you to search through all the football players currently in the market. You can specify your search by the position, weight, height, date of birth or class of player. The "Next" button at the bottom of the table will allow you to flick through the pages and view more players who match your requirements. http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa-transfer-list

Chelsea have sacked manager Carlo Ancelotti after he ended his second season at the club without a trophy. He was dismissed following the 1-0 loss to Everton, as the west Londoners finished second in the Premier League. The 51-year-old had one more year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge. A club statement read: "This season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations." Speculation had been mounting that Ancelotti would be sacked following Chelsea's first season without a trophy in three years. They missed out in the Premier League as Manchester United clinched their 19th top-flight title last week, further compounded by exits in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup during the season. The Blues, who were Premier League and FA Cup holders at the start of the campaign, finished nine points behind United and only ahead of third-placed Manchester City on goal difference.Ancelotti axed as Chelsea manager Former manager Avram Grant suffered similar treatment when Chelsea finished second in the domestic table and lost the Champions League final in 2008 on penalties. Carlo Ancelotti's dismissal as Chelsea manager immediately after the season's final game is ruthless even by Roman Abramovich's standards And ambitious owner Roman Abramovich, who bankrolled an audacious �£50m move for striker Fernando Torres during the January transfer window, will now start the search for a successor capable of recapturing the Premier League from Manchester United, while also guiding the club to the much-coveted Champions League trophy. "Chelsea's long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and we will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager," read the club statement. Ancelotti had reiterated his ambition to remain at Chelsea, but insisted the decision was entirely down to the club's demanding hierarchy. "I am now on holiday - but I am not sure how long my holiday will be," he said in his post-match media conference shortly before he was sacked. "We haven't arranged any meeting but I think in the next week, now the season is finished, the club can address my job and they will take a decision. "I have to wait and see what happens. I don't have to say anything to the club - they can judge me on my job for two years." Ancelotti had been coveted by Abramovich after spending eight years in charge at AC Milan, guiding the Italian giants to two Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007. He signed a three-year contract in June 2009, taking over from interim boss Guus Hiddink, who had guided Chelsea to the FA Cup before returning to take charge of the Russia national team. Ancelotti's first season in English football began in spectacular fashion, winning the Premier League and FA Cup - sealing the former with a thumping 8-0 victory against Wigan on the final day of the 2010 calendar. But his second year in west London proved significantly more challenging as he was twice thwarted by Manchester United domestically and in the Champions League, where Chelsea suffered a quarter-final exit to Sir Alex Ferguson's team. Ancelotti's progress was hindered when lassistant manager Ray Wilkins left the club in November after they decided not to renew his contract. The Blues had been top of the table but the former England midfielder's departure coincided with a poor run of form, losing 3-0 to Sunderland before a 1-0 reverse against Birmingham during a six-match winless league run. Defeats by Wolves and Liverpool followed at the start of the year before a late-season renaissance revived their title hopes. However, a 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 8 May effectively sealed Sir Alex Ferguson's 12th Premier League title. "Last year was really good, this year was not so good," added Ancelotti. Chelsea's attentions will now turn to finding Ancelotti's successor, their seventh manager in the eight years since Abramovich took control of the club in 2003. Porto's highly rated Andre Villas-Boas, Hiddink and former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard are all in the frame. Dutchman Hiddink, who has a close relationship with Abramovich, revealed he still has an advisory role at Stamford Bridge. "Since I left two years ago I've been advising the club on things concerning the squad," he wrote in De Telegraaf on Saturday. "Sometimes I become a sounding board. It costs me very little time and I can combine it well with my position with Turkey. There is no conflict at all." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13494528.stm

SCOTLAND striker Garry O'Connor did a runner from cops after they swooped on him in a drugs bust. O'Connor, 28, is believed to have been in a car with another person when officers approached, but fled on foot. Officers quickly caught up with the ex-Hibs ace in a lane in Edinburgh and found him in possession of a white powder, suspected to be cocaine. He was detained and quizzed, then released, after being lifted in Hope Street on Saturday night - and the powder was sent to a lab for analysis. Just 24 hours later, Hearts players Ian Black and Robert Ogleby were allegedly nabbed with an illegal substance in a nightclub toilet in the city in an unrelated swoop. Staff at the Lava & Ignite nightspot are believed to have tipped off police. Midfielder Black, 26, and Ogleby, 19, are accused of having a Class A drug in their possession. A police spokesperson last night confirmed: "Two men, aged 26 and 19, have been cautioned and charged with possession." Of the O'Connor incident, a force spokesperson said: "A 28-year-old man was detained and released pending further inquiries." Scotland ace O'Connor - who has caught the eye of Celtic boss Neil Lennon since being released by English side Barnsley - was quizzed by cops last month after his �£100,000 Ferrari was found crashed and dumped. The red Spyder F1 430 smashed into a bridge in Tranent, East Lothian, three miles from his home in Port Seton. O'Connor has won 16 international caps for Scotland, scoring four times. In 2006, after six years, 138 games and 46 goals for Hibs, he completed a �£1.6million transfer to Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. But after just a season in Eastern Europe, O'Connor's former Hibs boss Alex McLeish took the player to English Premiership side Birmingham City in a deal worth �£2.7million. The big striker struggled to make an impact in England and was loaned then sold to Barnsley last season. After struggling to regain full fitness following a niggling hip injury, O'Connor was freed last month. He has been training with SPL runners-up Celtic with the hope of landing a permanent deal. Former Blackburn Rovers youth player Black signed for Caley Thistle in 2004. His tough-tackling style landed him a three-year contract with Hearts in 2009. Youth-team striker Ogleby is a Wales under-21 player who was signed from Coventry City last summer. Although listed as a first-team squad member, Ogleby has spent the season playing for the club's under-19s. Last night O'Connor was unavailable for comment. A Hearts spokesman declined to comment. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3584877/Garry-OConnor-does-runner-after-drugs-swoop.html#ixzz1MaY1s4mM

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/01/19/2312686/2010-11-end-of-season-bosman-list-all-the-players-available

From Sporting life - I know it is kind of "transfer rmours" but as he was here this season I thought I would put it in here. Personally would like to see him back, did a very good job when called upon. Kyle Bartley hopes to return to Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions Rangers next season on another loan from Arsenal. The 19-year-old defender made nine appearances after moving to Ibrox in January before a knee injury cut short his spell. He told Rangers' official website, http://www.rangers.co.uk: "There are talks going on with Arsenal as we speak so we'll have to wait and see but if I'm told I can come back that would be fantastic. "The experience this year was invaluable and I really enjoyed my time so if I could come back next season that would be fantastic. "All the boys get on really well and they're all great lads and now they can celebrate this success together."

It's a trend, in the modern era, which started as far back as Barry Ferguson to Blackburn for �£8M. Since then we've made a habit of breaking our fans hearts by selling off our top players for vast sums. Boumsong, Cuellar, Hutton, GVB etc have all gone on for massive transfer fees and gutted every fan in doing so. They all say 'I'm here for life' or 'I love this place, I'm staying' but naturally the big boys come calling and we bow to money and sell off our prized assets. Sometimes it really works out - the Boumsong money went to getting back Barry, bringing in Kyrgiakos, Wattereus etc who all won us the title. But it never gets any easier to take. So when I woke up, on Friday the 13th to hear Jelavic happily telling the world Man Utd are supposedly interested for �£13M I really didn't know what to think. If a club that big want you, for almost every player it's a dream come true. And Jelavic has been honest about wanting to play in England - he's good enough and it's his dream. I guess I just hoped we'd get more than an injury disrupted solitary season out of him.

Lets see who can forecast where he will end up and for how much , seeing as we get a cut of the transfer fee , I posted this in here rather than the general footie chat . My guess is Liverpool �£7.5million ........next