[kenny hoggan]

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has signed Gretna midfielder Abdul Osman, who has agreed a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old had looked set to join League One outfit Northampton.

But Jefferies stepped in to persuade the midfielder to move from relegated Gretna, admitting: "We've kept an eye on him for a while.

"He's a big, powerful lad that can play in the middle of the park. He's got good feet, is a good passer of the ball and has a presence about him."

Englishman Osman joined Gretna after leaving Maidenhead last summer.

Gretna could go out of business this weekend if no buyer is found to rescue the club presently in administration.

And Osman is one of a number of players leaving the club even if they survive.

Club captain Paul Murray, midfielder Gavin Skelton and goalkeeper Greg Fleming are attracting interest from other clubs.

And loan signings Kyle Naughton, Ben Wilkinson, Artur Krysiak, Rhys Meynell and Rostyn Griffiths will to return to their respective clubs.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Kilmarnock | Jefferies swoops to land Osman