Rangers transfer offer over ex Hearts star 'rejected' as Hibs favourite named boss of SPFL club

Hearts and Hibs have both entered the transfer market as they look to bolster their squads for the second half of the Premiership season.

The Jambos have signed right-back Jordi Altena ahead of the clash with Livingston and winger Islam Chesnokov has signed a pre-contract agreement as hopes of title glory continue to bubble. Hibs head into the window on a high after wins against Aberdeen and Hearts prior to a clash at Kilmarnock.

Some loans have been sanctioned for younger players while attacking reinforcements could be on the agenda for head coach David Gray. Ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, here are some of the latest headlines, with flavourings from both sides of Edinburgh.

Rangers see transfer offer for ex Hearts star rejected

Rangers have reportedly had an offer for ex-Hearts left-back James Penrice rejected. The defender joined AEK Athens in the summer after a year in Gorgie earned a big move abroad but an option has emerged for him to make a quick return to Scotland.

It’s claimed by Greek football journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos that Rangers have made an approach for a loan deal over Penrice but it has been rebuffed by AEK Athens. He said on X: “Rangers made an offer to AEK Athens for James Penrice. Offer has been rejected.”

Hibs favourite named Morton manager

Ian Murray has returned to football as the manager of Championship side Greenock Morton. The Hibs favourite who featured in Leith between 1999-2005 and again between 2008-2012 has made a name as a proven boss at Championship level, following work with Airdrieonians and Raith Rovers. He has now been named as Dougie Imrie’s replacement at Cappielow, after his move to Raith.

Murray said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed manager of Greenock Morton. It’s a real honour to be given this opportunity at such a proud club, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m really looking forward to meeting the players, the staff, and of course the supporters, and getting to work as quickly as possible. There’s a lot to be excited about, and I’m eager to give everything I have to move the club forward together.”

Club Director Graham Barr said, “We are all delighted to be welcoming Ian to Greenock Morton as our new First Team Manager. After interviewing Ian, it was clear to see his passion, hunger and determination to succeed. This, alongside his track record in management, made him the outstanding candidate for the job and we are thrilled to have him at the club. Everyone at the club is excited for this new chapter under Ian’s leadership. We would like to thank supporters for their patience over recent weeks as we went through the recruitment process. This was a critical appointment and one we wanted to take the time to get right, and we firmly believe we have the best candidate in Ian to take the club forward.”

Neil McCann wanted by Kilmarnock

Former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann has reportedly entered the running for Kilmarnock’s vacant managerial gig. Ex-Jambos boss Robbie Neilson is another in the frame as they look for a successor to Stuart Kettlewell after his sacking, with Killie 11th in the Premiership. McCann has managed Dundee previously and coached at Rangers last season, and is one name said to be under consideration.

The Scottish Sun claim: “Neil McCann s in the frame to become Kilmarnock’s new manager. The former Dundee boss, who spent three months as part of Barry Ferguson’s backroom team at Rangers last season, is on the radar of the Rugby Park board. McCann, currently working as a media pundit, has a good reputation as a coach and saved Dundee from the drop when stepping in as gaffer for a spell in 2017. Killie’s board want to name the replacement for Stuart Kettlewell next week so are currently arranging interviews.”