26 January 2008

RANGERS have been offered Dundee United's out-of-contract keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski as cover for Allan McGregor for the rest of the season.

And Ibrox boss Walter Smith has confirmed that he is considering a summer move for Aston Villa striker Luke Moore.

Record Sport understands Smith is weighing up a move for Szamotulski.

The Pole is likely to play his final match for United in Tuesday's CIS Cup semifinal against Aberdeen, 24 hours before his deal expires.

Szamotulski is believed to be willing to go to Ibrox until the end of the season as back-up. Rangers are aware of the situation and with the club at loggerheads with No.2 Roy Carroll, Smith needs another keeper to join McGregor and Graeme Smith. Source - Daily Record

26 January 2008

Rangers have confirmed that they have joined the race to sign Dundee United goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski.

The 31-year-old's contract expires on Wednesday and the Pole has rejected the offer of an extension.

And Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist told BBC Sport: "We are definitely interested in him.

"I'm not sure how far the manager is in taking it down the line. We're not having much luck getting a keeper and he is certainly being talked about."

Rangers have agreed a deal to allow Roy Carroll to join Derby County - but only when the Ibrox club can find a replacement capable of challenging first choice Allan McGregor.

And, following reports that Carroll was refusing to return to the Glasgow club, McCoist admitted: "I have not seen Roy for a couple of days.

"He was under the impression he was going to Derby, but he is still a Rangers player."

Rangers manager Walter Smith did not wish to comment as he had already been thwarted in attempts to sign "three or four" goalkeepers during January.

Reports had suggested that Szamotulski, who has also been linked with Celtic and Hearts, was poised to join Borussia Dortmund.

But the German club have signed another goalkeeper.

Szamotulski, who had joined United after leaving Sturm Graz, has become a cult hero during his seven months at Tannadice on the back of impressive performances.

The 13-times-capped international has returned to full fitness after missing the last three games with a knee problem but did not feature against Kilmarnock.

But he will be handed the chance to help United reach the CIS Insurance Cup final on his last appearance for the club after manager Craig Levein promised him one final fling against Aberdeen next week.

That is despite Lukasz Zaluska being finally fit again after six months out with a foot injury and being handed his debut against Killie.

United manager Craig Levein said: "Szamo will play in the CIS game and that will be his last for us.

"His contract is up and he'll be leaving after that."

Levein had persuaded Szamotulski to stay for a few more weeks after a delay in Zaluska's return from injury. Source - BBC Sport