Players linked again.

[Gazza_8 233]

From the evening Times.

 

RANGERS manager Walter Smith is bracing himself for another transfer window battle to fend off interest in his top players.

 

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defender Madjid Bougherra and fans� favourite Steven Naismith were today all linked with interest from other clubs and Smith now faces a familiar wait to discover if clubs try to sign his leading players. The Ibrox manager is determined to try and boost his squad in January as injuries have left him with next to no flexibility when it comes to naming his team.

 

Smith has still led the Light Blues to the top of the SPL as well as Europa League qualification after finishing third in their Champions League group.

 

He admitted, despite expecting no money to be made avail-able for new signings unless the club was the subject of a successful takeover, he hoped he would somehow be allowed to bring in reinforcements.

 

It appears the main transfer activity could centre around McGregor as Aston Villa confirmed he is on their radar.

 

The 28-year-old, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Sevilla, could be sold if an offer upwards of �£6m is tabled.

 

Villa boss Houllier sent his assistant Gary McAllister and goalkeeping coach Rafael Gonzalez to watch McGregor against Man U last midweek, while Sir Alex Ferguson ââ?¬â?? who is also looking at keepers ââ?¬â?? had his own close-up view at Ibrox.

 

Interest is also thought to be high in Kenny Miller as the final year of his contract ticks away.

 

Everton have been linked with Naismith and Roma are believed to be considering making a bid for Bougherra. Italian sources are linking American central defender Oguchi Onyewu with a move to Rangers.

[Stefanovitch 0]

If Craig Gordon was worth �£9m 2/3 years ago then Rangers should hold firm and demand a similar fee, or more, for McGregor who is a much better goalkeeper.

 

I couldn't see myself saying this last year but losing Naismith would be a huge loss for us while replacing Bougherra would be easier.