Smith scouting possible Corinthians tie-up on South American trade visit

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RANGERS are exploring the potential of a formal relationship with the Brazilian club, Corinthians.

 

Gordon Smith, the Ibrox sideâ??s director of football, is currently part of a trade delegation visiting the South American country, and has already been involved in talks with team officials.

 

Although British clubs are restricted by work permit regulations to signing only full internationalists, meaning that Rangers could not bring young players over from Brazil, the Ibrox side could benefit from shared commercial and scouting expertise.

 

It is understood that Smith could announce the tie-up on Thursday, when he returns from the trip.

 

He is Rangersâ?? representative on the trade mission, which was organised by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

 

Along with Michael Moore, the Secretary of State for Scotland, delegates from the golf, banking, whisky, oil and legal industries, among others, are taking part in the four-day visit, which began in Sao Paolo, where Corinthians are based, and is currently in Rio de Janeiro.

 

â??Like many football clubs, Rangers are looking to develop their global brand and enter into partnerships with Brazilian clubs, most notably Corinthians,â? said Moore. â??Theyâ??ve also been attending the Soccerex Global Convention, the biggest soccer expo in the world and an opportunity for Rangers to show their wares.

 

â??Rangers have a lot of interesting plans and it shows the world that Scotland can produce not just whisky and golf, but a lot of other cultural wares, such as Rangers.â?

 

Smithâ??s visit is part of an ongoing bid by Rangers to strengthen their fanbase and income potential abroad. Ally McCoist, the Ibrox manager, spent some time in Argentina during the summer to look at players, while Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua, two Indian strikers, are currently on trial at Murray Park.

 

The former was offered a contract two years ago by Queens Park Rangers â?? where Ali Russell, Rangersâ?? chief executive, was working at the time â?? but couldnâ??t sign for the club due to work permit issues.

 

With the British government keen to strengthen trade relations with India, it is felt that Rangers could secure the necessary paperwork if they choose to sign either player now.

 

It is more difficult for British sides to sign South American players, which Gordon Strachan criticised during his time in charge of Celtic. Yet Manchester United had a working relationship with Corinthians, and once sent youth players to Sao Paolo during the summer to train with the Brazilian side.

 

In June 2001, John Rankin was one of two United youth players to go to Brazil for a two-week training camp, although the pair returned early because there was no translator provided.

 

Smithâ??s time in Brazil may result in a similar relationship with Corinthians. The Sao Paolo side currently top Brasileiro Serie A, but only by two points from Vasco de Gama and tension is building in the championship race. â??Itâ??s a crunch moment in the Brazilian league and Iâ??m bumping into lots of football fans of differing rivalries,â? said Moore. â??A lot of it would seem similar to people from Glasgow.â?

 

Rangers, meanwhile, have agreed to play cash strapped Crusaders in Belfast next year. The Irish outfit, who have just settled a £350,000 tax bill, urgently require funds and the Ibrox side, despite their own financial problems, will play a fixture between January and March. â??We are delighted Rangers have said yes to our invitation,â? said a club spokesman. â??Obviously, they are a massive draw and we expect a capacity crowd.â?

 

Liverpool, too, will play Crusaders in their bid to finance a move from their current ground to a new stadium at North Foreshore within the next few years.

 

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/rangers/smith-scouting-possible-corinthians-tie-up-on-south-american-trade-visit-1.1137078