• Madjid Bougherra (right) impressed for Algeria at the World Cup.

Bougherra rumour has Rangers baffled

Despite the reports in several of today's papers, Rangers are in the dark over claims Madjid Bougherra has clinched a £5.25million move to German side Hamburg. Andreas Mueller, said to be an agent of the player, is the source of the claim that all the terms and conditions of the Algerian defender's tranfer have already been agreed. But last night it emerged that this is not the agent Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has been dealing with, and he said he had no knowledge of the talks. (Daily Record)

McGeady teams up with top agent

Celtic star Aiden McGeady last night signed on with one of British football's most high-profile agents in a clear indication that he sees his future away from the Glasgow club. The winger has ditched the representatives who engineered the multi-million bid from Russian club Spartak Moscow and instead switched to Scottish agent Struan Marshall, who represents the likes of Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. (Daily Mail)

Bristol open to Hartley talks

Hearts' bid to bring Cup hero Paul Hartley back to Tynecastle has been boosted by the news Bristol City are prepared to listen to offers for the midfielder. City chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "Any club interested in Paul would have to talk to us. As he is a contracted player we would want money for him." (various)

Newcastle warn Celtic off keeper

Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton has issued a hands-off warning to Celtic over their interest in goalkeeper Steve Harper. Neil Lennon has targeted the player as a potential successor to Artur Boruc, should the Poland keeper leave Celtic this summer. But Hughton said: "We just won't sell him." (Daily Express)

Nicholl takes over at Cowdenbeath

Cowdenbeath have appointed former Raith Rovers boss Jimmy Nicholl as their new manager. Nicholl, who was also assistant to Jimmy Calderwood at Aberdeen, Dunfermline and Kilmarnock, takes over from Danny Lennon, who quit for St Mirren. (Daily Express)

Burley targets Dorman

Ex-Scotland boss George Burley is the latest English Championship manager to express an interest in former St Mirren star Andy Dorman. The out-of-contract midfielder told Saints last week that he will not be signing a new deal, and Crystal Palace boss Burley could be swayed by the fact that he would not have to pay a fee. (The Sun)

Celtic's Ledley bid in doubt

Celtic's bid to sign Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley has hit a snag, after City director Steve Borley claimed he would "only move to a Premiership club". Ledley is also being chased by Roma, Panathinakos, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. (The Sun)

Aberdeen keeper joins Notts County

Aberdeen will have to look for a back-up keeper after Stuart Nelson quit to join Notts County. The Englishman made just three starting appearances in his one season with the Dons, and rejected a one-year contract extension. (The Sun)

And the Daily Express reports that Aberdeen will make a move to sign St Mirren keeper Mark Howard.

IN BRIEF

• Former Kilmarnock striker Allan Russell will join US club Carolina Railhawks as soon as he has received clearance for a visa. (Express)
• Queen's Park captain Richard Sinclair has signed on for a 12th season at the club. (Record)
• New Kilmarnock boss Mixu Paatelainen wants to make defender Jack Ross his first signing after he was freed by St Mirren. (Express)
• Berwick have taken striker Kevin Gordon back to the club for a second time. (Record)
• Dunfermline have signed 11 youngsters on full-time deals, to form the backbone of the under-19 and reserve sides. (Record)