Football: Gascoigne still wanted at Ibrox

Rangers have confirmed that they want to keep Paul Gascoigne in Scotland, and are playing down speculation that the former Tottenham and Newcastle player is set to return to English football.

The Rangers vice-chairman, Donald Findlay, said that negotiations will begin soon regarding a deal which would keep the 29-year-old England international at Ibrox. "We'd certainly like Paul to stay with Rangers, if that's what he wants to do," Findlay said. Sunderland have been linked with Gascoigne, who is suffering from an ankle injury, in recent weeks.

Everton hope to complete the pounds 5m transfer of Slaven Bilic today. The Croat international defender has an escape clause in his contract which says that he can move if an offer over pounds 2.5m is made for him.

Chelsea have signed the former Manchester United and England full-back Paul Parker until the end of the season as defensive cover and want to take the winger Peter Beagrie on loan from Manchester City. Beagrie, however, has indicated he wants to stay at Maine Road.

The Costa Rican internationals Paulo Cesar Wanchope and Mauricio Solis have signed for Derby County. Wanchope, a striker, and midfielder Solis both signed three-year contracts and expect to be available for their debuts on 22 March.

Tony Yeboah has asked for a transfer from Leeds, although the club's manager, George Graham, insisted he has "no problems" with the Ghanaian striker. Graham said yesterday: "That is news to me. I know nothing about this and I don't know where these stories come from."

The League Managers' Association will take no action against Leicester's manager, Martin O'Neill, about remarks made in the club programme towards his Filbert Street predecessor, Mark McGhee, who is now in charge of Wolves.

O'Neill had written that he hoped Leicester fans would forgive another of his predecessors, Villa's manager Brian Little, but he followed that by writing: "However, what you wish to do if and when Mark McGhee visits us with Wolverhampton Wanderers is at your own discretion." The LMA chief executive, John Barnwell, said: "We have spoken to Martin O'Neill and we are satisfied that nothing serious was intended by his comments."

The efforts of Brighton's manager, Steve Gritt, in hauling the club towards safety have been rewarded with the Third Division manager of the month award. Gillingham's Tony Pulis won the Second Division award.

Reading have parted company with their Bulgarian World Cup goalkeeper Borislav Mikhailov six months before his contract was due to end.

Newcastle, who have operated without a reserve side this season, will have four teams next term: the first XI, a reserve side, plus a team in the Northern Alliance and a junior XI.

Reconstruction of the Bell's Scottish League is looking increasingly unlikely after the League's management committee met yesterday. The League recently gave a cautious welcome to the First Division clubs' proposal of a three-division 16-12-12 set-up, but a number of Premier Division clubs are against the idea.

The League's secretary, Peter Donald, said: "The debate continues to assess whether or not there would be a sufficient number of clubs to support the idea. The First Division clubs have been asked over the next week or two to assess the situation and report back."