ian1964

CASH-RICH Russians CSKA Moscow could be set to test Rangers’ resolve – by tabling a bumper £8million bid for striker Nikica Jelavic. Ibrox owner Craig Whyte is trying to hold out for at least £9m for Scotland’s top scorer. But CSKA’s offer – just £1m below their asking price – could seriously tempt them to part company with the Croatian hitman. CSKA have money to spend after selling Brazilian ace Vagner Love to Flamengo in his homeland for £9m. However, the Moscow club have until February 24 before their transfer window closes, so they may be in no hurry to sign Jelavic. It looks as if West Ham have ended their interest in signing the 26-year-old after their offer, £5m million plus add-ons taking the deal to £7m, was rejected by Rangers. The Hammers now look certain to turn their attention to one-time Celtic target Jordan Rhodes and make a £4m offer to Huddersfield for the young Scot. Rangers boss Ally McCoist, though, is braced for the loss of Jelavic before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. He has plans in place to bring in two strikers if he goes. Nigerian striker Michael Uchebo, however, will not be one of them. He was on trial at Murray Park yesterday, but was told after just one training session that the Glasgow club would not be signing him. The 6ft 6in 21-year-old is hoping to win a move to a bigger club after agreeing to move on from Dutch club VVV Venlo. Venlo’s claims that they have agreed a £1m fee with Rangers, and a transfer is set to be done once the player has completed a medical, are well wide of the mark. McCoist is believed to be interested in Uchebo’s countryman Kalu Uche. The 29-year-old, 34-times capped international is a free agent after parting company with Neuchatel Xamax. Albanian Hamdi Salihi, who is available for around £400,000 after falling out with Rapid Vienna coach Peter Schottel, is another player on the Rangers boss’s radar. He has been talking to former Rapid team-mate Jelavic about possibly replacing him, and said: "I’ve spoken to Nik on the phone. He told me Rangers are a great club so I am very keen on a move to Glasgow. It would be a huge opportunity for me." Rangers are also in talks with Turkish club Trabzonspor in an attempt to arrange a loan deal for Polish striker Pawel Brozek. Meanwhile, free agent Luigi Bruins and Jorge Claros are still on trial and are hopeful of winning contracts – but the latter’s Honduran club, Motagua, say they want £800,000 for their player, although he could come on loan first with a view to a permanent deal in the summer. Polish club Lech Poznan are interested in taking Spanish midfielder Juanma Ortiz. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/russian-giants-line-up-nikica-jelavic-deal-1.1145447

RANGERS midfielder Matt McKay is going nowhere in the current transfer window, according to the playerâ??s agent. The Aussie international had been mulling over offers from South Korea and Saudia Arabia, but he is determined to stay at Ibrox and fight for his place. McKay has made just three appearances since he arrived at the club in the summer from Brisbane Roar but his agent John Viola has said the player will not be forced into a move now. And his agent has also maintained the fear of losing his international place will not force him out the Ibrox exit door. "Matt is an established international player," said Viola. "If he doesnâ??t play for six months there is still no danger he will fall out of favour with the national squad. "It is fair to say there has been interest in him in the window from elsewhere, but he is really determined to force his way into Ally McCoistâ??s side." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/matt-mckay-staying-says-agent-1.1145460

RUSSIAN giants CSKA Moscow are ready to test Rangers £9m price tag on Nikica Jelavic by offering £1m less for the striker. Currently at a winter training camp in Spain in preparation for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid the clubs' director general Roman Babaev has confirmed their interest in the Croation hit-man. And with £9.3m in their pocket from the sale of Brazilian attacker Vagner Love earlier this week the CSKA boss revealed their scouts had watched Jelavic twice in recent matches and could compete with West Ham for his signature. Russian radio stations last night claimed the club was in fact set to bid eight million euros plus add-ons after talks with Jelavic's agent but Babaev would only say: "We want to improve our front line and if this footballer can do it then a deal is possible " Coach Leonid Slutsky added: "It is up to my directors but I know of Jelavic and he is a big player." ì It is up to my directors but I know of Jelavic and he is a big player î Coach Leonid Slutsky The news could also bring the Hammers back to the table with another increased offer before Tuesday's deadline but no further approaches have been made since their £7m bid was rejected by owner Craig Whyte as being to low. Rangers meanwhile are unlikely to pursue their interest in latest trialist, Nigerian Michael Uchebo . The 6ft 6in striker currently with Dutch minnows Eredivisie trained at Murray Park yesterday after failing to win a deal with Stoke City earlier this month. The 21 year old was monitored by manager Ally McCoist but issues surrounding his lack of experinece and a work permit as he is yet to play for the Super Eagles are expected to negate any further developments. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/298235/Russians-are-ready-to-swoop-for-Jelavic Hamdi Salihi | Bundesliga Goals 2009 - 2010

RANGERS were last night locked in talks with Trabzonspor as they bid to thrash out a loan deal for Polish striker Pawel Brozek. We revealed last week that the 28-year-old international had shot to the top of Ally McCoist's January wish list. Brozek's agent Bartlomiej Bolek confirmed: "There is an interest, we are talking with Trabzonspor and Rangers." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/4090112/Ally-closes-in-on-Polish-star.html#ixzz1kdOmu0Ry

NIKICA JELAVIC is helping lure hitman Hamdi Salihi to Rangers — as his own replacement. Jela looks to be on his way out of Ibrox with West Ham leading the chase to sign him. But Gers boss Ally McCoist is keen on bringing his former Rapid Vienna team-mate Salihi in. Salihi said: "I've spoken to Nik on the phone and he told me how great a club Rangers are. So I am very keen to move to Glasgow. "Rangers are a big club and it would be a huge opportunity for me, the next step in my career." McCoist's top target is Norwich ace Grant Holt. But he is also keen on Albanian Salihi — linked with Celtic earlier this season — who is set to quit Rapid after a fallout with coach Peter Schottel. His contract is up at the end of the season. But he'd cost around £400,000 now. Nigerian strike star Michael Uchebo, meanwhile, has joined Gers on trial. The 6ft 6in VVV-Venlo ace is out of contract in the summer. It's unlikely he'll land a deal as McCoist cannot bring anyone else in until he moves a top-team man on. Polish outfit Lech Poznan are interested in Spanish misfit Juan Ortiz. Honduran side Motagua insist Gers they will have to pay £800,000 if they want Jorge Claros. Club president Pedro Atala said: "We're not prepared to sell him for less." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/4090236/Jelas-Hamdi-man-for-Gers.html#ixzz1kdN2sdIp

Ask Danny

Pedantic loyal

Any new signing is a gamble regardless of what league they come from. My theory is he hasn't been given a chance,apart from his MOTM performance against Liverpool in a friendly. Do I believe he's good enough?,I'll never know unless I see him get a sustained run in the team.

The article is about a BHEAST fan attacking a Rangers player & his heavily expecting wife,not the other way about.

How could you be against him signing?,nobody knew anything about him until he had virtual signed. We'll never know if he was good enough if he leaves before getting a sustained run in the team.

Strange that only STV are reporting this?

Get serious! Jelavic is not a £10m striker, says ex-QPR boss Warnock Neil Warnock has warned Rangers they will toil to get £10million for Nikica Jelavic. The former Queens Park Rangers boss was speaking out as West Ham had an offer of £5m plus £1m in add-ons rejected by the Ibrox club. The Upton Park outfit began informal negotiations last week and, according to Rangers sources, followed that up with a firm proposal. On Wednesday, however, senior figures at West Ham said they are ready to move on to other targets. Rangers will now step up efforts to sell the 17-goal striker for as close to £10m as possible, with manager Ally McCoist hamstrung in his efforts to sign new players until the sale goes through. Warnock considered buying the Ibrox club’s top scorer before being sacked by QPR a fortnight ago and last night told Sportsmail: ‘I know what Rangers value him at. But whether they get anywhere near that is another matter. ‘I would be surprised if anybody paid that much and were not very impressed, if I’m honest. We watched him for a few weeks and he didn’t seem much to write home about.’ Warnock tracked Jelavic and Rangers keeper Allan McGregor after targeting three or four new players for his struggling side. Sacked by wealthy owner Tony Fernandes, however, Warnock explained why he passed on Jelavic when he added: ‘He has ability, no question. But I don’t know if anybody knows for certain if he is a Premiership player — and that’s the problem. If you are going to pay what Rangers want, then the player has to be proven as a Premiership player, haven’t they? You could get Jermain Defoe for £10m. ‘I don’t know, other people might see it differently. People always want strikers, especially at this time of year. It comes down to whatever someone thinks he is worth.’ Rangers hope news of a firm bid from West Ham will drag other interested clubs out of the woodwork, with new QPR boss Mark Hughes joining Liverpool and Sunderland in the list of interested clubs. If or when Jelavic finally goes, Rangers are set to approach Rapid Vienna striker Hamid Sahili. The Albanian, also linked with Celtic, is out of contract in the summer and available this month for a knockdown fee after being told he can leave. Sources close to Sahili claim Rangers have placed him on standby to replace Jelavic. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2091882/Nikica-Jelavic-worth-10m--Neil-Warnock.html#ixzz1kYlUcjMq

But it's only Juan guy

It can't be sectarian though,sectarian means anti Irish catholic no?

European footballâ??s governing body will consider a disciplinary case against Celtic on Thursday. UEFAâ??s disciplinary case against Celtic over the behaviour of a section of the clubâ??s support will be heard in Nyon on Thursday. The European governing body announced in December that they were charging the Parkhead club after supporters displayed a banner of an offensive nature and let off fireworks during their Europa League match against Udinese in Italy on December 15. The organisation's Control and Disciplinary Body will hear the case today but a UEFA spokesperson told STV on Thursday morning that a verdict, and any possible punishment, may not be announced until early next week due to the volume of cases being considered. A section of the travelling support in Italy unfurled an offensive banner aimed towards UEFA shortly before kick-off in their 1-1 draw with the Serie A side. Flares were also set alight, with one thrown from the stand onto the running track alongside the pitch. Under Article 11 of UEFAâ??s Disciplinary Regulations, clubs can be punished if their supporters â??light fireworks or any other objectsâ?. The same rule also warns measures will be taken if fans behave inappropriately through â??the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, in particular if it is of a political, offensive or provocative nature.â? The full range of sanctions in the regulations are available to UEFA, ranging from a warning or fine to the deduction of points in European competition, the full or partial closure of a stadium, or the withdrawal of a club licence. The maximum fine available is 1,000,000 euros (£840,000). Celtic's chairman Ian Bankier condemned a â??rogue elementâ? of the clubâ??s support after the match and one fan was subsequently banned for allegedly assaulting a steward in the ground. "We're going to go on the front foot," Bankier said at the time. "We're going to weed these guys out. We know who they are and we'll deal with them. We're also going to involve the fan's organisations to get the fans to self discipline. http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/295094-celtic-await-uefa-verdict-over-banner-and-flares/

RANGERS are set to capture promising Kiwi kid Scott Basalaj after the keeper shone on trial. The 17-year-old, who plays for Lower Hutt City in New Zealand, was recommended to the SPL champions by their goalkeeping coach Fraser Stewart – son of Ibrox keeper coach Jim. Basalaj has now been invited back to Scotland in March and is set to be offered a contract. The teenager said: “I have to go back again in about six weeks to play some games. “Hopefully, I will do well there again and we can sort something out.” Basalaj is eligible to play for Scotland too because of his mother and he admitted he could consider a switch. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2012/01/26/rangers-set-to-hand-rookie-keeper-scott-basalaj-a-deal-at-ibrox-86908-23720834/

RANGERS star Kyle Lafferty yesterday told a court how he is bombarded with sectarian slurs "every day". The 24-year-old Gers striker described his ordeal as he gave evidence against Reice Harrison, 16 â?? who is charged with shouting bigoted abuse and hurling a brick at the striker's car. Lafferty told Paisley Sheriff Court how the 4x4's window was smashed near a Morrisons store as his pregnant girlfriend, ex-Miss Scotland Nicola Mimnagh, sat inside. The Northern Ireland ace said it came after Harrison called him an "orange c***" and a "p****" in the supermarket's car park. Asked by Harrison's defence lawyer Gordon Ritchie to describe the sectarian problems he encounters in general, Lafferty said it happens "every day, probably". The player added: "When you play for a club someone else does not like, you get the same abuse. You just have to ignore them." Lafferty told how he and Nicola had been followed around the store in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, by Harrison and two pals, who made "a nuisance of themselves". But in the car park Harrison and his friends are said to have started yelling abuse at Lafferty. The Gers hero said he then told Nicola to get into the car but was aware of the same three youths running after them. Lafferty said he was filling up his Jeep at the nearby petrol station when he heard a "loud thump" and the window smash. He added Harrison, of Johnstone, was the only member of the trio who was close enough to have thrown the brick. Lafferty revealed he was "gutted" because he'd had the Jeep for just two weeks. The ex-Burnley star added: "I don't want people shouting things like 'orange c***' at me. I just don't think it is acceptable." Harrison denies assault and sectarian breach of the peace last November 21. The trial has been adjourned for further evidence. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/4086912/Kyle-Lafferty-My-sectarian-abuse-every-day.html#ixzz1kYJbrpyf

Alan Pattullo

RANGERS kicked out a £7.2million West Ham bid for Nikica Jelavic last night. And they warned Hammers boss Sam Allardyce he'll have to dig deeper if he's to land the Croatian striker. Yesterday's offer from the Upton Park outfit — which included add-ons if West Ham are promoted to the Premiership — was the first official swoop for Jelavic in the January window. But Ibrox chief Craig Whyte knocked it back — and insisted the 26-year-old striker will not be a cut-price buy for ANYONE. It's understood Championship leaders Hammers wanted to pay £6m up front with an extra £1.2m in the summer if they return to England's top flight. But they are refusing to take No for answer. Allardyce will now hold further talks with co-owner David Sullivan and hopes to return to Rangers today with an improved bid. But Liverpool, QPR and West Brom are all watching from the wings and could step in to trump the Londoners. With less than six days trading left in this transfer window, the loss of 17- goal top scorer Jelavic now would be a hammer blow to Gers boss Ally McCoist and could all but end Rangers' hopes of four in a row. Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/4087091/Pay-it-again-Sam.html#ixzz1kY2WC5jK

And you're comfortable with Murray being anywhere near Rangers?

Aye,£50m

Has to be worth a punt mate regardless of our current form

The Champions 10/3 The BHEASTS 1/5 Worth a punt?,think I'll have some of that:54: http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/2045987/Scottish-Premier-League---Outright.html

SIR David Murray made a surprise return to his old club Rangers yesterday. The former owner's visit to Murray Park came as Ally McCoist's bargain-basement January recruitment drive was descending into farce. Zlatan Muslimovic The 60-year-old appeared at the training complex for what senior sources insist was a scheduled appointment with the club doctor. But Record Sport can also reveal Murray spent more than an hour with McCoist, who was left reeling by the latest double blow to his transfer plans. Bosnia striker Zlatan Muslimovic failed to report back to the Auchenhowie base for the second day of what was supposed to be a week-long trial. Instead, the 30-year-old packed his bags after just one training session and headed for Wearside in a bid to win a place in Martin O'Neill's Sunderland squad. And in a further bizarre twist, bewildered full-back Enar Jaager fled back to Estonia fearing his dreams of a deal are dead - even though he was expected to play in a closed-door bounce game against Carlisle. Instead, it was Murray who turned up while Jaager jetted out of Glasgow without a contract offer, despite McCoist confirming publicly he wants the free agent signed up for at least the rest of the season. The Ibrox boss had hoped to run the rule over both Jaager and Muslimovic in yesterday's 2-1 win over the English minnows. However, only two trialists - Honduran Jorge Claros and Dutch hopeful Luigi Bruins - made the starting line-up with ex-chairman Murray watching the action from the balcony of McCoist's office. Director of Football Gordon Smith also saw the game and confirmed Muslimovic will not be back and that Jaager had failed to show up. Smith said: "Muslimovic left yesterday after one training session. "He could be at Sunderland but I don't know for sure. All I know is he had a talk with Ally and was told we had set up a trial game for him. "He made it clear he didn't want to play and said he had other options. We were not going to do anything without watching him in action. "I watched the game and I thought Jaager was meant to be playing. But he wasn't there and I don't know where he's gone. You'd better ask Ally about that." Jaager arrived at Murray Park nine days ago for a trial as McCoist looked for a replacement for crocked star Steven Whittaker. The Estonian right-back made an instant impact and McCoist spoke openly last Friday about signing the defender. He said: "We've been really impressed. Jaager is a solid full-back and we'll certainly be looking to make him an offer." And after yesterday's bounce game McCoist reiterated his desire to seal a deal for the 27-year-old. He said: "Enar is back in Estonia and we're hopeful we can put a package together and make him an offer." But Jaager has been left in limbo and insists he doesn't know whether he has a future at Ibrox or not. Jaager told Record Sport last night: "I am back in Estonia and don't know what is happening. "I am a bit sad there is no agreement yet but there is nothing I can do now. "I enjoyed my spell in Glasgow and it was pleasing the coach liked me. "The trial went well and I feel I have done my part. But it is not my place to discuss what the future decision may be. "I haven't heard anything and all I can do is wait and see if they are going to make an offer. "But I cannot wait around forever. I don't have a contract with anyone at the moment and I need to try to get something sorted out. "There is nothing more I can do with Rangers. It's up to them now and let's just see what works out." Muslimovic, though, has now vanished completely off Rangers' radar after darting across the border yesterday morning to begin a trial at the Stadium of Light. His agent Jan Bezemer said last night: "Zlatan trained at Rangers yesterday. Everything was nice and we were interested. "But an offer came to train at another club. Zlatan trained at Sunderland today and we will now see how that works out. "Zlatan had a very good feeling about Rangers. They are a nice club, the trainer was a good man and he spoke very well. "Rangers want him but we have lots of interest. He would like to play in a good league. The leagues in Scotland and England fall into that category." Meanwhile, Rangers have targeted South Africa defender Siboniso Gaxa, according to his agent. The right-back, who plays for Belgian club Lierse, is said to be in McCoist's sights if a deal for Jaagar fails to materialise. The 27-year-old's agent Rob Moore said: "Gaxa is in the frame for that move. If they don't sign Jaager then he is their next target." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2012/01/25/rangers-transfer-deals-descend-into-farce-as-sir-david-murray-makes-appearance-at-training-ground-86908-23718874/

Compliance Officer References............... Hearts (4) - Paulo Sergio (twice), Danny Grainger, Ryan McGowan Hibs (4) - Gary O'Connor, Leigh Griffiths (3 times) Rangers (3) - Steven Naismith, Sone Aluko, Lee McCulloch Motherwell (2) - Steve Jennings, Michael Higdon Dunfermline (1) - Jim McIntyre St Mirren (1) - Jim Goodwin Aberdeen (1) - Peter Pawlett Dundee Utd (1) - Peter Houston Kilmarnock (1) - Kenny Shiels St Johnstone (1) - Steve Lomas Inverness Caley Thistle (0) Celtc (0) So, using Stuart McCall's theory, it looks like the BBC Sportscene Producer/Vincent Lunney support either ICT or Celtc. Hmmm, I wonder. Note: ICT have had appeals against Red Cards for Ross Tokeley and Kenny Gillet thrown out by the Disciplinary Panel, which leaves only 1 club in the SPL who have had no reason to feel aggrieved by the SFA's Disciplinary Procedures.