Rangers News

Updates on Rangers Transfer news.

Rangers targeting Biseswar
Scottish champions set to swoop for Dutch winger


Skysports.com understands Rangers are set to make a move for Feyenoord winger Diego Biseswar.

The Dutchman, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been linked with a move away from Rotterdam this summer, with Feyenoord yet to offer him a new deal.

Biseswar's agent confirmed earlier this summer that Rangers' fierce Scottish Premier League rivals Celtic were pursuing the 23-year-old.

And the Gers now appear to have joined their neighbours in the race for his signature, with the Scottish champions set to make an offer.

Ally McCoist's side were previously targeting ADO Den Haag winger Wesley Verhoek, but after considering several overseas options, including Nottingham Forest, he decided to stay in Holland.

McCoist is keen to make new additions to his squad after seeing Rangers dumped out of the UEFA Champions League at the first hurdle by Malmo.

Bolton in £400k bid for Wylde


BOLTON are ready to make a move to prise Gregg Wylde away from Rangers.

SunSport understands that Trotters boss Owen Coyle will offer £400,000 for the Scotland Under-21 star.

Wylde is in the last year of his Ibrox deal and is desperate to stay on at his boyhood idols.

Yet he's unhappy Gers' best offer is less than half of what fellow starlets Jamie Ness and John Fleck earn.

Furious Ibrox chiefs believe former Celtic star Frank McAvennie has been touting Wylde in England.

Bolton are the second club from down south to register an interest. West Brom are thought to have had a similar offer rejected last week.

Championship side Leeds United are also believed to be monitoring the situation.

Gers are set to warn all three clubs - and McAvennie - that Wylde is not for sale, even though they would only get a compensation payment in the summer if the 20-year-old runs his deal down.

Ironically Celtic could also be entitled to a portion of that sum - after Wylde spent two years in the Hoops youth system.

Wylde broke into the Gers first team at the end of last season but is still on the £600-a-week deal he signed as an Under-19s player.

He received a five-figure bonus like the rest of the squad when they won the SPL and Co-operative Cup.

Both sides reached a deadlock in talks last March and Wylde was banished back to the youth changing room at the start of this season as the impasse continued.

He was offered an improved figure last week as the Premier League interest grew.

Yet Wylde rejected the cash on offer because it still fell short of what other players his age were on.

He was warned that decision could jeopardise his future first team chances - and was axed from the squad for the friendly with Chelsea.

Yet he's been brought back into the group for today's clash in Inverness after helping Scotland's Under-21s beat Norway 3-0 in midweek.


http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3750146/Bolton-in-400k-bid-for-Wylde.html

Rangers 'rumours' flatter Yohan


After the SPL side offloaded Madjid Bougherra to Qatari club Lekhiwa, they are in the market for a new centre-half, with Tunisia international Benalouane rumoured to be interesting them.

The 24-year-old said he was flattered by the speculation and hinted that he would be prepared to swap life in Serie A for a move to Scotland.

"I am very honoured by the interest from Glasgow Rangers," Benalouane told skysports.com. "But it is only rumour at the moment and there has been nothing concrete. But it is an honour to be talked about.

"Bougherra was a great player for them and was a great advert for North African players. He is a great leader."


http://www.football365.com/spl/7102679/Rangers-rumours-flatter-Yohan?

Rangers reject Bolton bid for Gregg Wylde


Rangers have rejected a bid from Bolton Wanderers for Gregg Wylde, with manager Ally McCoist insisting the club is not holding out for an improved offer.

Owen Coyle's side offered a fee thought to be in the region of £400,000 for the 20-year-old.

But Rangers manager Ally McCoist told the club's website he wants to hang on to the player.

"The bid from Bolton was not accepted and I don't want Gregg Wylde to go anywhere," he said.

"He is a good young talent and we feel he has done very well."

Rangers say that Wylde's representatives have been in discussions with the Scottish champions for some time but that a resolution has not been reached.

"We want him to sign on again with us and we want his progress to continue here at this football club," McCoist said.

Continue reading the main story I'm hopeful with Gregg's case that a resolution can be reached and that we can get to a conclusion we are all happy with
Ally McCoist

Rangers manager
"I now have the opportunity to say any further bids we receive for Gregg will not be welcomed either."

McCoist last week said he had been told that Wylde was being touted to clubs in England but that he remains hopeful of a new deal for the winger, who has a year left on his contract.

"We had a situation recently with Madjid Bougherra where he made it clear he wanted to leave the club," McCoist added.

"Those circumstances were different and, to a certain degree, things were taken out of our hands there.

"With Madjid now gone, we are focused more on getting players in rather than getting more players out.

"I'm hopeful with Gregg's case that a resolution can be reached and that we can get to a conclusion we are all happy with.

"This is probably as good a time as ever for a young player to be coming through the ranks at Ibrox and that's the situation for Gregg too, so we hope he signs with us again."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14533576.stm?

Rangers and Orebro remain in talks over Alejandro Bedoya deal

Rangers are locked in talks with Orebro as they try to reach an agreement over the transfer of Alejandro Bedoya.

The Ibrox club failed in a fresh attempt to land the American midfielder at the weekend, making a bid which STV understands was lower than the previous offer made in July.

Both sides though have re-entered talks on Monday and are working on a deal to bring the player to the Scottish Premier League ahead of schedule.

“Talks are being held between the two clubs and they are still ongoing today,” Orebro’s director, Markus Skoldmark, told STV.

“We have said we would be positive to a transfer just now. But the two parties need to agree a fee.”

Bedoya has already agreed terms to move to Ibrox on a pre-contract in January, but Ally McCoist is keen to add him to his squad with immediate effect, with the player having been granted a UK work permit on Friday.

Rangers have until 11pm on Wednesday to register one additional player for their Europa League play-off round ties with Maribor, with McCoist having already stated his desire to have Bedoya for the two matches.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266321-rangers-and-orebro-remain-in-talks-over-alejandro-bedoya-deal/?

Matt McKay to miss Rangers' Europa League ties with Maribor

The Australian midfielder will not learn until Friday whether he will be granted a UK work permit to complete his move to Glasgow.

Matt McKay has had to appeal for the Scottish FA's endorsement towards his work permit, having failed to meet criteria.

Matt McKay is likely to be unavailable for Rangers’ Europa League double header with Maribor, with a Scottish FA work permit appeals panel not currently due to convene until after the tournament’s additional registration deadline.

Australian international McKay agreed a move to Ibrox from A-League side Brisbane Roar last Friday but, having played just eight of his country’s last 14 competitive internationals, he does not automatically qualify for a work permit.

The SFA have to give their endorsement to any application and, despite Rangers’ hopes of a quick resolution, their appeals panel are not due to sit until this Friday.

Rangers have until 11pm on Wednesday night to register one additional player for their Europa League play-off round fixtures but will have to do without McKay, who is due to make his last appearance for the Roar on Tuesday night, unless the date is brought forward.

“It's sad to be leaving the Roar,” McKay told Courier Mail of his impending departure. “I've had some great times here but when the opportunities arise, you've got to take them.

“It's a big opportunity for me at a club that's up for winning titles every year. I've always harboured hopes of playing in Europe.”

Providing his UK work permit is granted, the 28-year-old will be back in Brisbane in little over two weeks time as he takes his place in the Australian national team for two 2014 World Cup qualifying matches.

The Socceroos will host Thailand at McKay’s current stomping ground on September 2, before travelling to face Saudi Arabia four days later.

“My full concentration's on these next World Cup qualifiers,” he added. “I want to be playing in Brisbane and I want to be playing in Saudi Arabia.”

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266268-matt-mckay-to-miss-rangers-europa-league-ties/

Former Rangers target Roland Juhasz admits disappointment over move falling through
The defender will instead try and concentrate on his career at Anderlecht.


Hungarian centre-back Roland Juhasz has admitted his frustration at his potential move to Rangers falling through.

The Anderlecht defender was one of the main targets for Rangers manager Ally McCoist, but the clubs failed to agree on a fee for the 65 times capped international.

Speaking to the Anderlecht website, the defender said: "The case with Rangers is closed.

"That's life, and I'll now try to give my best to Anderlecht."

"That disappointment is in the past. We play an important game every three days (at Anderlecht), so I do not have time to be disappointed.

"If I thought too much about it I could not concentrate."

Juhasz is something of a fan favourite in Brussels, but had expressed his desire to join Rangers to further his career.


http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266405-former-rangers-target-roland-juhasz-admits-disappointment-over-move-falling-through/?

Gers step up Danny bid



RANGERS are set to step up their bid to bring Danny Wilson back to Ibrox - as Ally McCoist faces up to a defensive crisis.
Gers boss McCoist is desperately seeking to bolster his back line ahead of Thursday's Europa League crunch clash with Maribor.

He fears crocked Kyle Bartley's hopes of making the Slovenia tie are fading fast - and that has plunged Gers into a Euro nightmare.

Skipper David Weir is injured, Lee McCulloch is struggling and both Sasa Papac and Steven Whittaker are suspended.

If Bartley fails to make it, McCoist will be left with only Lee Wallace, Kirk Broadfoot, Dorian Goian and kid Ross Perry as defensive cover.

The gaffer will meet with director of football Gordon Smith in a bid to speed up a bid for Wilson.

Gers still have the option to bring one player into the squad for the Euro ties and the former Ibrox kid - now at Liverpool - would be an ideal loan signing.

Deals for defenders Carlos Cuellar and Roland Juhasz are now OFF the table and the groin injury Bartley suffered in Saturday's 2-0 win over Inverness could have forced McCoist's hand.

The Arsenal loan star failed to respond to treatment yesterday and his chances of starting against Maribor were rated last night as less than 50-50.

Gers will also make one last push to sign Alejandro Bedoya before Wednesday's Europa League deadline.

They already have a deal in place to bring in the USA midfielder on a Bosman from Swedish club Orebro in January.

After securing a UK work permit for the 24-year-old at the end of last week McCoist would like to have Bedoya at his disposal now.

The Swedes have already knocked back a Gers bid of £400,000.

Director of football Smith said: "The Bedoya situation is one we have to consider but that's down to Ally and I'll be having discussions with him regarding a number of things in the morning."



http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3752159/Kyle-KO-fear-as-Gers-step-up-Danny-bid.html

Gers eye swoop for USA skipper

RANGERS want USA World Cup captain Carlos Bocanegra to fix their defensive crisis.
SunSport can reveal that boss Ally McCoist has targeted the 32-year-old centre-half.

He hopes to launch his bid for the St Etienne ace in time for Thursday's Europa League first-leg clash with Maribor.

Gers believe ex-Fulham star Bocanegra would only cost around £400,000.

And McCoist reckons that's great value for a player with huge experience.

Bocanegra has shot to the top of Coisty's wanted list after moves for Carlos Cuellar and Roland Juhasz fell through.

Cuellar could still be a January target but Juhasz is OFF the radar after weeks of fruitless negotiations with Anderlecht.

With defender Kyle Bartley straining his groin in Saturday's SPL clash with Inverness, Gers are needing a new defender.

Davie Weir and Lee McCulloch are still crocked.

Bocanegra has played 93 times for the USA including two World Cups in 2006 and 2010.

St Etienne signed him from Rennes for just £400,000 12 months ago but are willing to let him go for around the same fee.

Rangers, meanwhile, will appeal the three-game UEFA ban dished out to Steven Whittaker.

The Ibrox club believe the ban - imposed after the defender's red card in Malmo - is too severe.

McCoist said: "We've no problem about the sending off and we've spoken about that. It was a mistake and a gross error of judgement.

"Steven was rightly punished, but we feel that banning him for that length of time is too much."


http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3754470/Gers-eye-swoop-for-USA-skipper.html

Perhaps this thread should be filed under "fiction". Whyte needs to get the bloody cheque book out or we're screwed

TipToes88 wrote:Perhaps this thread should be filed under "fiction". Whyte needs to get the bloody cheque book out or we're screwed

If we had signed half the players we have been linked with the league would be in the bag.

Rangers' bid to land USA midfielder Alejandro Bedoya 'touch and go' as clubs haggle over early release

FRUSTRATED Swedish minnows Orebro last night described Rangers' bid to snatch Alejandro Bedoya as "touch and go" after another day of talks between the clubs came to nothing.

Ibrox boss Ally McCoist wants the USA midfielder signed up in time to be registered in his squad for Thursday's Europa League qualifier against Maribor as a late wild card. But he only has until tomorrow to push the deal through.


Stalled Bedoya has already signed a pre-contract with the SPL champs and was expected to join McCoist's squad as a free agent in January after the clubs failed to reach an agreement on a transfer fee.

But McCoist is desperately short of players for the trip to Slovenia and has asked owner Craig Whyte to thrash out a price with the Swedes which would allow the 24-year-old to move now.

That attempt stalled over the weekend when Orebro binned the latest Rangers offer of around £150,000, insisting it was worth even LESS than the bids which had previously been kicked out.

Another round of talks started up again yesterday but by teatime Orebro's director of transfers, former Dundee United player Magnus Skoldmark, told Record Sport the deal was hanging in the balance.

Skoldmark said: "Talks are still being held but there is no agreement yet. I would have to say right now the whole deal is touch and go.

"I can't say much more but it's hard for us to understand what Rangers are doing here.

"If you run a 100 metre race you don't give up after 80 metres do you?

"There is only a small difference involved but I can't say what will happen. It might happen tonight, it might happen tomorrow or it might not happen at all the way things are going."

It's understood Orebro are still holding out for a £400,000 fee for Bedoya, who admitted yesterday he is hoping to be given permission to start his Rangers career early.

He said: "You never know what will happen because things can change from one day to the other.

"I honestly do not know what is happening right now. It might be that Rangers are doing this to put pressure on Orebro to sell me.

"I would prefer to be in Glasgow now but I have a contract with Orebro and I am a professional. I will see it out."

McCoist is already without full-backs Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac, striker Kyle Lafferty and has serious injury doubts over captain Davie Weir and Kyle Bartley.

It is hoped that Lee McCulloch will be passed fit to fly out with the team tomorrow despite missing Saturday's SPL win in Inverness.

But another of McCoist's new boys, £300,000 Aussie Matt McKay, has been ruled out as he is not expected to be granted a work permit until Friday at the earliest.

The midfielder will play his last game for Brisbane tonight and is confident he will win his work permit case.

The 28-year-old said: "I'm not trying to get too far ahead of myself. It's out of my hands. Rangers will do their business. They're a big club."

"It's sad to be leaving the Roar. I've had some great times here but when opportunities arise you have to take them.

"It's a big chance for me at a club that fights for titles every year. I've always harboured hopes of playing in Europe."

Australia boss Holger Osieck is pleased the midfielder has won his dream move to Ibrox.

But he has told McKay he needs to get a regular game as the Socceroos gear up for their World Cup qualifiers.

McKay said: "I had a quick chat to Holger and he just wants to see me playing well. He doesn't mind where I play.

"He has told me I'm important to the national team set-up."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2011/08/16/rangers-bid-to-land-usa-midfielder-alejandro-bedoya-touch-and-go-as-clubs-haggle-over-early-release-86908-23348157/

I don't understand why Danny Wilson wouldn't be a good deal for both clubs, as a Liverpool fan I hope we do let him go on loan to youse as it will mean he gets some experience, and will play in Europe as I doubt he'll get too many games here.

It makes sense for all parties involved doesn't it, Wilson gets some much needed game time and is playing every week,stays happy, Liverpool keep their player fit and ensure he keeps improving, Rangers come a step closer to solving their defensive issues. Hopefully it happens, he's a quality player, especially for the SPL.

I do think his development has stalled a little as well, I think another season up north will do him good.

I think so too mate, he's still young and needs to be playing regularly to continue improving, he can become an even better player.

The only worry I'd have is that if we do send up back up to Scotland it might end up getting too used to Scottish football and fail to adapt anywhere else.

That's true, he won't develop to his full potential in Scotland, but i suppose it's better than sitting on the bench for just now.

Carlos Bocanegra is ‘not for sale’, insist Saint-Etienne


AS Saint-Etienne say they would not entertain any offers from Rangers for defender Carlos Bocanegra.

Contrary to reports on Tuesday, STV has learned the Ibrox club have not been in touch with the French side over the player.

The American defender is seen as a key figure at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and, speaking to STV, Saint-Etienne say that if Rangers were to make an approach, they would be told the 32-year-old is not for sale.

“We haven’t received any contact from Rangers,” a spokesman from the French club said. “The position of Saint-Etienne is clear. We want to keep Carlos.

“He is not available for transfer. We have a very young defence and we need Carlos to lead those players.

“If Rangers were to get in touch, we would tell them he is not for sale. The coach [Christophe Galtier] wants to keep Carlos.”

Able to play at either centre back or left back, Bocanegra has been in France since 2008, moving from Fulham to Rennes, before switching to Saint-Etienne in 2010.

He spent four years in England at Craven Cottage, having spent the first four years of his professional career with Chicago Fire, and made over 100 appearances in the English Premier League.

Bocanegra captained the United States national team since 2007, a role he continued in during the 2010 World Cup, when the US reached the second round before losing to Ghana.

Rangers have until 11pm on Wednesday night to register one additional player on List A for their Europa League play-off round matches with Maribor.

STV understands no approach has been made thus far to take defender Danny Wilson back on loan from Liverpool, with the player eligible to be included on the club's List B for the competition, which must also be submitted by 11pm on Wednesday night.


http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266494-carlos-bocanegra-is-not-for-sale-insist-saint-etienne/

The feijenoord winger would be a great signing for the rangers club. Did they not get beat 10-0 from psv last season? Better getting Eddie may out of retirement

Wouldn't really say that was a winger's fault plus looking at the teams from that game he wasn't playing.

RANGERS have reached an agreement with Swedish side Orebro to complete the transfer of Alejandro Bedoya.

Alejandro BedoyaThe American international signed a pre-contract agreement with the Light Blues earlier this summer, but was not due to arrive in Glasgow until the end of the Swedish season.

However the two clubs have now reached an agreement for the immediate transfer of the midfielder and he will become a Rangers player in the current transfer window.

Bedoya will join Ally McCoist's side on a three year contract after playing over 60 games for his side in Sweden.

The 24-year-old joins Mo Edu as another American international in the Rangers ranks, offering further stateside appeal to the current squad.

With 13 caps for his country he brings great experience to the side and at just 24 a real potential for further improvement during his time in Glasgow.

Excellent news, i hope they didn't end up paying a stupid price to get him now though. Not sure if the Carlos Bocanegra deal is completely dead or we could have a nice little theme going.

Blackpool make loan bid for Rangers midfielder John Fleck


STV has learned that Rangers are considering an approach from Blackpool to take John Fleck on loan.

The Championship club have made contact to ask about Fleck’s availability and the matter is under consideration with Rangers, who have yet to make a decision on the proposed move.

Fleck made his breakthrough into the Rangers first team in 2008 but the 19-year old has not been a regular starter. He made 17 appearances last season but has not been involved in Ally McCoist’s team so far this season.

The player’s situation has alerted Blackpool boss Ian Holloway and the Seasiders are keen to recruit Fleck to aid their promotion challenge.

With Rangers having agreed a deal to take USA midfielder Alejandro Bedoya on an immediate transfer rather than waiting for the player’s contract expire, Fleck’s opportunities at Ibrox may be restricted. A loan move to allow the youngster to get regular playing time could be appealing to both parties.


http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266650-blackpool-make-loan-bid-for-rangers-midfielder-john-fleck/

Alejandro Bedoya cleared to play for Rangers against Maribor
Rangers are attempting to get Alejandro Bedoya to Slovenia ahead of Europa League tie.



Rangers are hopeful of having Alejandro Bedoya in their squad to face Maribor in the Europa League playoff match on Thursday evening.

STV has learned that the midfielder has been registered with Uefa ahead of the 11pm signing deadline and that the Ibrox club are attempting to get the player from Sweden to Slovenia in time for the first leg tie.

Rangers agreed a fee with Orebro on Wednesday for the player's immediate transfer, rather than move at the end of Bedoya's current deal. The American had signed a pre-contract agreement that would have seen him move to Ibrox in January. However, it was unclear if the player would be able to feature in the first leg match in Slovenia.

Bedoya has already been granted a UK work permit, and with there being no visa requirement for entry into Slovenia to be overcome, all that remained for the player to be free to make his debut was registration with Uefa.

STV understands that paperwork has been completed well before the deadline and efforts are being made to get Bedoya from Sweden to Slovenia to join up with his new teammates.


http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266664-bedoya-cleared-to-play-for-rangers-against-maribor/

Rangers step in for Bocanegra


Rangers have signed United States defender Carlos Bocanegra on a three-year deal.

Ally McCoist's recruitment drive has gathered pace over the last few days and former Fulham full-back Bocanegra, 32, is the latest to arrive at Ibrox.

Bocanegra, who joins from French side St Etienne, could play in Thursday's Europa League play-off against Maribor should he receive international clearance.

The Scottish Premier League champions confirmed the signing of midfielder Alejandro Bedoya on a three-year contract from Swedish side Orebro earlier on Wednesday as McCoist seeks to add strength to his squad.

Bedoya is now joined by his compatriot, United States skipper Bocanegra, who has been plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Rennes and St Etienne since leaving Fulham in 2008.

St Etienne had insisted Bocanegra was not for sale and a spokesman recently insisted: "We haven't received any contact from Rangers.

"The position of Saint-Etienne is clear. We want to keep Carlos. He is not available for transfer. We have a very young defence and we need Carlos to lead those players. If Rangers were to get in touch, we would tell them he is not for sale."

However, Rangers managed to negotiate a deal with Les Verts and will hope the veteran can boost their ailing defence, with David Weir and Kyle Bartley injured and Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac suspended.


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/945230/rangers-sign-usa-defender-carlos-bocanegra?&cc=5739

Govan is the 51st state these days. Anymore americains and we can be sponsored by McDonalds and have bear claws sold at Ibrox...which would be cool cause I've always wanted to try one. Glad to see a bit more transfer activity, heres hoping that Coisty and Whyte learn their lesson and get things sorted earlier next season

I'm hoping he's not finished for this season yet, would have liked another striker.

Most of the players we have picked up have been on the cheap, surely there is still funds available.

Bolton Wanderers set to increase offer for Rangers FC ace Wylde


According to reports, Bolton Wanderers are determined to land Rangers youngster Gregg Wylde.

Wanderers have had a £400,000 offer for Wylde rejected by the Scottish champions earlier this week.

Gers boss Ally McCoist has publicly stated that he sees the player staying at Ibrox and wants him to sign a new deal.

However, the Daily Mail claims Wanderers are set to test the club’s resolve with an improved offer.

It is understood that West Bromwich Albion are monitoring the situation.


http://www.clicklancashire.com/sport/bolton-wanderers-fc/1210262-bolton-wanderers-set-to-increase-offer-for-rangers-fc-ace-wylde.html?

Carlos Bocanegra admits he couldn't say no to Rangers


New Rangers signing Carlos Bocanegra says he just couldn’t turn down the chance to join Ally McCoist’s American revolution.

The defender, signed from St Etienne, joins international team-mates Mauric Edu and Alejandro Bedoya at the Scottish champions and is likely to feature against Maribor in tonight’s Europa League play-off first leg.

The Californian-born man flew straight to Slovenian after penning a three-year deal.

Speaking to Rangers’ official website, Bocanegra said: “I was very excited when I heard there was interest from Rangers.

“I was really interested, obviously, and the move came as a bit of surprise because I had a good situation in France. I was happy there and not looking to leave.

“Rangers have lots of history though and you can’t say no to them. It’s just fantastic to be here.

“The fact the club has won a lot of trophies over the years is something I was really interested in.

"I have been in Europe for eight or nine years now and I haven't won any silverware on this continent yet so I am hoping to change that.

"The possibility of coming to Rangers and looking for titles and trophies is awesome. You don't get a chance to do that kind of thing too much in your career.

"I came close to winning the cup in France a couple of years ago and it hurt when we didn't so I'm coming here hungry and keen to contribute to the team so that we're successful."

Bocanegra is the latest US international to ply his trade at Ibrox alongside Maurice Edu and fellow new recruit Alejandro Bedoya.

Past States stars such as DaMarcus Beasley and Claudio Reyna have worked with Gers too and the versatile stopper turned to the latter for advice as he prepared to make his move.

Bocanegra added: "DaMarcus was here along with Claudio and when we were away on international duty last week, I spoke him at length about Rangers.

"When he was at the club, he helped make it a bit more popular in America and he had nothing but great things to say when we spoke.

"He told me that if I had a chance to come here, I should do it because it would be a great experience for me. His time here is something he cherishes and that's nice to hear.

“Rangers is a club which is pretty popular in America already and now, with Mo being here and doing well as well as Ale and I arriving, hopefully we can keep that feeling growing.

"I'm excited to be here and to be part of the great tradition that is this club. It is perceived back home to be a massive club and that's because it is.

"Everyone in Europe and in America who knows about football knows who Rangers are and this is a great opportunity for me."


http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266763-carlos-bocanegra-admits-he-couldnt-say-no-to-rangers/?

Maribor v Rangers: Carlos Bocanegra cleared to make debut


Carlos Bocanegra could make his Rangers debut in tonight's Europa League play-off against Maribor after being granted international clearance.
The Scottish champions beat UEFA's signing deadline when they recruited the United States skipper from St Etienne last night.

The 32-year-old will now be added to the squad for the first leg in Slovenia tonight after being given the green light to play in the tie.

Rangers also completed the signing of fellow American Alejandro Bedoya yesterday.

But, with David Weir and Kyle Bartley injured and Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac both suspended, boss Ally McCoist opted for defender Bocanegra as the one additional player he could register for the clash with Maribor.

He has signed a three-year deal with the Glasgow giants, having plied his trade in Ligue 1 with Rennes and St Etienne since leaving Fulham in 2008.

Bocanegra left his home near Lyon in the early hours of this morning, flying to Frankfurt then Graz before being driven to the team's base in Slovenia.

He arrived just before 11am local time and now looks set to partner Dorin Goian in the heart of defence tonight.





http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Maribor-v-Rangers-Carlos-Bocanegra.6820976.jp?

Thats how transfers should be done, dont announce anything till the player has signed, the Goodwillie saga was embarrassing.

To be fair both Old Firm clubs have been embarrassed in this transfer window.

The Goodwillie saga was the worst of it, but Celtics pursuit of Sandomierski was comical too.

I like reading the transfer rumours/speculation but I'm always happy when they spring a surprise signing on me.

It isn't necessarily the way the behave in the transfer window in terms of derisory offers that is embarassing, but that they even bother to put in a bid (regardless of how much)for certain players to join them. They have nothing to offer the likes of Goodwillie, and so it's no surprise that both teams have been turned down a few times this season already. It's embarassing who they try to sign, not that they don't offer enough money.
It's only going to get worse considering how wretched in Europe they are, and no player of any decent standing wants to sign to play at and against the likes of St.Mirren, Dunfermline or St.Johnstone every other week so lit's laughable and embarassing to even try.

It just depends, there's alot of "big" teams struggling in europe atm. You have the big Greek and Turkish sides doing extremely poorly in the last couple of seasons as well as ourselves. However Juhasz for example was adament he wanted to leave Anderlecht to Rangers, a team probably of similar quality but he recognised it as a step on his way to the premier league. I think Jelavic was similar to, we might not have a great league but the location and history can still help the likes of Rangers and Celtic get alot of international players.

Rangers boss hopeful of fielding Bedoya, Bocanegra and McKay at Motherwell


Rangers boss Ally McCoist is hopeful of having Alejandro Bedoya, Carlos Bocanegra and Matt McKay in his squad for Sunday’s trip to Motherwell.

American pair Bedoya and Bocanegra were signed this week from Orebro and Saint-Etienne respectively, with the latter making his debut in the 2-1 Europa League defeat to Maribor on Thursday night.

Both are now in line to make their first appearance in Scotland, with Bocanegra requiring a visa before he is cleared to feature at Fir Park.

McKay meanwhile will learn on Friday afternoon whether the Scottish Football Association will give their endorsement towards a UK work permit.

The Australian midfielder agreed a move to Rangers last week but did not meet the SFA’s criteria to be automatically given their approval, having failed to play in 75 per cent of his country’s competitive games over the past two years.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/266899-rangers-boss-hopeful-of-fielding-bedoya-bocanegra-and-mckay-at-motherwell/?

Gers going for Suchy

Czech defender claims SPL outfit are keen to reach loan agreement


Czech defender Marek Suchy has confirmed that Rangers have expressed an interest in taking him on loan.

Discussions regarding a deal have been opened between the Gers and Suchy's current employers Spartak Moscow.

The 23-year-old has spent the last two years in Russia, having seen a loan move turned into a permanent agreement back in 2009.

He quickly became a first-team regular at Spartak, but he has begun to slip down the pecking order of late and currently finds himself stuck on the substitutes' bench.

Spartak coach Valeri Karpin is willing to send Suchy out on loan as he currently has five centre-backs on his books and only two places available in his starting XI.

The only potential sticking point regarding a deal with Rangers could be that Ally McCoist was able to snap up Carlos Bocanegra on Wednesday and may feel that he is now well-stocked defensively.

On the Gers' interest, Suchy told CTK: "I know of Rangers' interest and I know both sides are interested in doing a deal.

"It would be a loan move.

"However, as talks are only at the beginning, I would not like to comment further."



http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_7111822,00.html?

McCoist steps up striker hunt


The Ibrox side's recruitment drive gathered pace this week when they signed American duo Alejandro Bedoya and Carlos Bocanegra, with the latter making his debut in Thursday night's Europa League tie against Maribor.

But McCoist says there are still a number of players on his radar and he is determined to beat the transfer deadline and boost his numbers further.

He said: "We are still looking and we will continue to look as long as the window is open.

"There are three or four players we are looking at in forward positions and we will keep looking and keep searching away.

"There is nothing concrete or immediate happening at the moment but that's not to say that we would be averse to bringing one or two other players in."

However, one player who will not be making the switch to Rangers is Czech defender Marek Suchy.

He was linked with a loan move from Spartak Moscow but McCoist has now dropped his interest following the capture of Bocanegra.

He said: "We were interested in signing him but I'll be honest with you and say it has cooled now that we have got Carlos in.

"We were interested but the signing of Carlos would put an end to that."

Bocanegra made his Rangers bow in the play-off first leg following his move from St Etienne late on Wednesday night.

The United States skipper had left his home near Lyon in the early hours of the morning and flown to Frankfurt then Graz before being driven to the team's base in Slovenia.

And, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat on the night, McCoist had nothing but praise for his new signing.

He said: "I spoke to him once on the phone, he told me he wanted to come, and then made unbelievable efforts to come.

"It was just a complete and utter breath of fresh air and I thought 'he'll do for me'.

"He was up again at 6am this morning to get a flight from Graz to Charles de Gaulle airport to try to get his visa and hopefully be involved in the game on Sunday.

"That's the kind of attitude we would be looking for. It didn't surprise me. You do your homework on players and Carlos has struck me as someone who is always like that."

Rangers must now pick themselves up ahead of Sunday's trip to Motherwell, with Maribor coach Darko Milanic claiming McCoist's decision to replace Steven Naismith - who had been cautioned - with Kyle Lafferty at half-time swung the match in his own side's favour.

Reflecting on Friday's headlines, McCoist said: "You read one or two comments and hindsight is the best thing in the world.

"But I certainly do not regret the decision to make the substitution because that had to be made. Without going into too much detail, believe me, it had to be made.

"Whether it was the right man I put on, that's up for debate. As a manager, you will always get different opinions and I totally accept that.

"We didn't put Kyle on to play in a straight 4-4-2, we wanted him to play a little bit deeper but it didn't work out that way.

"Listen, if our midfield can't match up against their midfield, then I think we've got a problem. Last night in the second half we did have a problem and they definitely got the better of us in the second half."

Meanwhile, McCoist declined to become embroiled in a "squabble" with the Bosnian federation after Rangers denied their claims that Sasa Papac is suffering from pneumonia.

He said: "Not being a medical man, all I can say is that from the conversation I had with him yesterday he was feeling a lot better and that's the most important thing.

"The squabble about how ill he is doesn't really concern me that much. The important thing is that he's a lot better."


http://www.football365.com/spl/7112553/McCoist-steps-up-striker-hunt

I wonder if Rangers are interested in Jimmy Bullard?

He's supposedly going to be let go on a free, and I doubt he'd demand huge wages these days because of his injury record. Not sure whether Rangers need him or not, but if you keep him fit, he might be a decent enough signing.

We went in for him last season Invincible, or could have been the one before, he snubbed us, think Celtic may have been linked with him at the same time. I would still take him though, beggars can't be choosers.

Matt McKay must wait to play for Rangers


Rangers have obtained a work permit for Matt McKay, although the Australian is unlikely to feature for his new club until next week.
The Scottish Football Association endorsed the application this afternoon, before being passed by the UK Border Agency. But the 28-year-old still needs to obtain a visa in Australia before making the journey to Scotland.

Manager Ally McCoist said yesterday he hoped the midfielder would be cleared in time to play in tomorrow's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Motherwell.

However, it would now appear unlikely that McKay will be available for selection until next week's game against Aberdeen.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Rangers were successful today in gaining a work permit for Australian star Matt McKay but there is still some paperwork to be done before he can join up."

McKay secured his move to Rangers from Brisbane Roar last week after a fee was agreed by both clubs.


http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Matt-McKay-must-wait-to.6822094.jp

Leak he all but signed for Celtic last reason on loan, he and the club agreed £40k per week but he also wanted Hull to pay him £35k a week, greedy chunt and I doubt he'd lower his demands enough for Rangers to afford

the-gaffer wrote:Leak he all but signed for Celtic last reason on loan, he and the club agreed £40k per week but he also wanted Hull to pay him £35k a week, greedy chunt and I doubt he'd lower his demands enough for Rangers to afford

Fair enough.

I just can't see any teams bothering to sign him on those wages now, he's clearly not worth it, but if he was to lower his wages in an attempt to actually prove himself he might be a decent signing.

El-Hadji Diouf keen on a return to Rangers


El-Hadji Diouf has told BBC Radio Scotland that he wants to come back to Rangers.

The Senegalese forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Ibrox but is now back at Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers boss Steve Kean says Diouf is not part of his plans for the campaign ahead, so the player is asking Ibrox boss Ally McCoist to take him back.

"I would definitely go back for him and for the fans. I don't want to play for Blackburn any more," Diouf said.

"I've got a lot of clubs contacting me just now.
Continue reading the main story

The Old Firm game is the number one game in the world. On the pitch it is like a war, but beautiful. A good war

El-Hadji Diouf

"I don't want to go somewhere where I am fighting a relegation battle. I'd rather be fighting to win a title again like last year when I won with Rangers.

"It is a big team, I enjoyed winning the title and making a lot of fans happy.

"I want Rangers to win the title again this season because Coisty is a good guy."

And Diouf told Sportsound that he is unconcerned by the perceived gulf in quality between the top leagues in Scotland and England.

"I came to Scotland because of one thing: I knew Rangers were a good team.

"Celtic against Rangers is 10 times better than Liverpool against Manchester United or something like that.

"The Old Firm game is the number one game in the world. What I feel about this game I have never felt in my life. On the pitch it is like a war, but beautiful. A good war."

Diouf has been joined at Blackburn Rovers by new Scottish signing David Goodwillie, but admits he would have advised the former Dundee United striker against a move to England.

"I speak to David Goodwillie every day at the training ground," he commented.

"I tell him that if he has the chance to play for Rangers he should jump at it, because it is one of the best clubs in the world.

"I am very surprised he chose Blackburn. He's a good guy and I will do everything I can to help him."


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14638086.stm

Maribor lodge protest over Carlos Bocanegra eligibility

Slovenian side submit questions to UEFA over whether the US international was eligible to play in the Europa League play-off round match.


Rangers’ Europa League opponents Maribor have lodged a protest with UEFA over the eligibility of Carlos Bocanegra.

The American defender completed a move to the SPL side from Saint-Etienne last Wednesday, beating an 11pm deadline to be registered as Rangers’ one additional player for the two-legged tie.

Bocanegra didn’t have his UK work permit at the time of the tie in Slovenia and Maribor have now asked UEFA for clarification on whether he should have been able to feature in the first leg.

“UEFA can confirm that the club NK Maribor has sent a protest to UEFA following the UEFA Europa League Play-off match NK Maribor vs Rangers FC played on 18 August 2011 in Maribor,” a spokesperson for the European football governing body told STV.

The Control and Disciplinary Body will immediately consider the protest, with a decision expected on Wednesday or, at the latest, before Thursday’s night’s second leg.

A spokesperson for the Scottish FA told STV on Tuesday that all of the necessary paperwork to render Bocanegra eligible to play in the Europa League play-off round tie had been completed and submitted in advance of last Wednesday’s deadline.

Bocanegra played the full 90 minutes of the first leg tie between the two clubs in Slovenia last Thursday, but was unable to play against Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday as the UK Border Agency were yet to process his visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Maribor’s complaint stems from article 18.14 of UEFA’s Europa League regulations, which state: “For the three qualifying rounds and the play-offs, a club may register a maximum of one new eligible player on List A after the above-mentioned deadlines, provided the quota of locally trained players is respected.

“Such registration must be completed by 24.00 CET on the day before the relevant first-leg match and the club’s association must confirm in writing that the new player is eligible to play at domestic level at this time.”

Zeljko Latin, spokesman for Maribor said: "How can the player have the right to play in the European competition on the Thursday night but didn't have clearance to play for Rangers in a domestic match in Scotland three days later?

"We are now awaiting a decision from Uefa. It's hard to say when they will make that decision. We are mentally preparing for the match as if it is 2-1."

The Scottish FA do not take whether or not a work permit has been processed for a player into consideration before declaring him eligible to play in domestic competition. Work permit and visa issues, governed by the UK Border Agency, are treated separately from the registration of players.

Bocanegra subsequently had his application for a UK work permit endorsed by the SFA and has was subsequently granted permission to live and work in the UK on Monday.

If UEFA uphold Maribor’s protest, the governing body retain the right to impose a number of sanctions upon Rangers, ranging from a warning or fine to disqualification from European competition.

Nobody was available for comment from Rangers at the time of publication.



http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/rangers/267398-maribor-lodge-protest-over-bocanegra-eligibility/

He didnt have a UK work permit, but the last time i checked Slovenia was'nt in the UK. So ha.