14 May 2006

Rangers are planning a triple swoop for St Etienne star Didier Zokora with Benfica aces Luisao and Laurent Robert.

New Ibrox boss Paul le Guen has targeted the three as he begins rebuilding. Sports of the World can reveal le Guen wants Ivory Coast central midfielder Zokora, 25, who's also attracted interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Gers Chief is facing stiff competition from Inter Milan and French champions Lyon who may swoop for the player if they sell Malian midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

Zokora's agent Franck Belhassen said: "It's true Rangers are interested in Didier. Le Guen likes him. But they're not the only ones after Zokora. At the moment there is no firm offer."

Le Guen is also targeting Brazil central defender Luisao and former Newcastle and Portsmouth winger Robert and has already made a formal approach to the Portuguese giants who rate Luisao at £10.5m and Robert at around £3m.

Robert was offloaded on to Portsmouth after a series of bust-ups at St James' Park during Graeme Souness's management reign left him on the sidelines before he ended up at Benfica in January.

Benfica sporting director Jose Veiga said: "I can confirm that Rangers have called us for these two players. We have received offers." Source - News of the World