Thursday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Rangers owner Craig Whyte, amid newspaper claims that he used future season ticket money to fund his takeover, says he has put £25m into the club and not had a penny back. (the Sun)

Craig Whyte has moved to calm Rangers fans' fears by revealing his controversial multi-milion pound deal for advance season ticket sales had been used to provide crucial cash flow for the club and not to fund his takeover. (Daily Express)

St Johnstone striker Francisco Sandaza says Rangers aborted a deadline-day bid to sign him because of manager Ally McCoist's unsuccessful pursuit of Norwich City's Grant Holt. (Daily Record)

Francisco Sandaza could still leave St Johnstone before the end of the season, having asked his agent to find him a move and with clubs in Russia and the United States interested in the striker. (Daily Mail)

Rapid Vienna striker Hamdi Salihi says he turned down the chance to move to Chinese outfit Changchun, plus clubs in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, in the hope of signing for Rangers on transfer deadline day. (Daily Record)

Rangers are weighing up a summer move for Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui, who is out of contract in the summer and has attracted interest from Aberdeen and Crawley Town. (Daily Express)

Brisbane Roar boss Ange Postcoglou says Rangers approached him asking if he would like to take midfielder Matt McKay back on loan, but the Australian club said they were not interested in a purchase or loan. (Daily Record)

Hearts striker John Sutton has agreed to join Australian top-flight outfit Central Coast Mariners on loan for four months. (Daily Record)

English striker John Sutton will complete his switch from Hearts to Central Coast Mariners today. (the Sun)

John Sutton still sees his long-term future at Hearts despite agreeing to join Central Coast Mariners on loan. (Daily Express)

Celtic will tell Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow that Gary Hooper is not for sale no matter how much the Russian clubs offer for the striker. (the Sun)

Aberdeen, who rejected bids from two Championship clubs, have placed a £5m price tag on Fraser Fyvie after the teenage midfielder refused to sign a new contract. (Daily Record)

Dundee are hoping to sign Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie on an emergency loan. (the Sun)

Tam McManus will join Rochester Rhinos in the United States in March after the striker left Ayr United. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Scottish Athletics bosses say they will not be rushed into naming a new head coach despite having applications from around the world. (Daily Record)