18 January 2008

Rangers boss Walter Smith has distanced himself from reports linking Christian Dailly with a loan move to Ibrox.

BBC Sport understands Rangers approached West Ham with a view to taking the Scotland defender.

But Smith said: "I think it's premature in the sense that, with Ugo Ehiogu leaving, people are putting two and two together and thinking we need cover.

"Andy Webster and Steven Smith are returning. If we lost anyone we'd maybe look at bringing someone else in."

Central defender Ehiogu has left Rangers to join Sheffield United, having featured just once this season.

David Weir and Carlos Cuellar are the established centre-half pairing at Ibrox, while Sasa Papac and Kirk Broadfoot could also step in, along with the injury-plagued Webster.

Dailly, 34, joined West Ham in 2001, but spent the first part of this season on loan after finding his opportunities limited at Upton Park.

Capped 66 times for his country, he has returned to West Ham following a spell at Southampton.

The defender started his career with Dundee United before switching to Derby County in 1996.

After two seasons with the Rams he moved to Blackburn Rovers in a £5.5m deal. Source - BBC Sport

21 January 2007

Rangers boss Walter Smith has closed the door on a loan move for West Ham's Christian Dailly.

Smith had been linked with a move for the Scotland defender following the departure of Ugo Ehiogu.

But the Rangers manager told BBC Scotland: "It was just one of those things I had an idea about.

"But we've got no business at the present moment. Unless something crops up that we feel will be of benefit to our squad, we'll go with what we have."

Central defender Ehiogu has left Rangers to join Sheffield United, having featured just once this season.

David Weir and Carlos Cuellar are the established centre-half pairing at Ibrox, while Sasa Papac and Kirk Broadfoot could also step in, along with the injury-plagued Webster.

Smith will soon welcome back Andy Webster and Stevie Smith from injury.

Dailly, 34, joined West Ham in 2001, but spent the first part of this season on loan after finding his opportunities limited at Upton Park. Source - BBC Sport