29 July 2007

RANGERS are poised to swoop for Argentina full-back Diego Placente - and could land him for nothing.

The left-back is keen to quit Spaniards Celta Vigo after their relegation from La Liga.

But Vigo are demanding a £700,000 transfer fee for the 30-year-old, who has been capped 24 times by Argentina.

Gers are reluctant to fork out on a transfer fee - however the player is negotiating with the club's powerbrokers to release him on a free transfer.

If that happens the Ibrox side have told Placente's representatives they will step in with a lucrative offer. The South American is looking for a two-year contract worth around £17,000 per week.

But Rangers will not shell out on wages AND a sizeable fee to Vigo.

Former River Plate star Placente is comfortable playing in a flat back-four and can also operate effectively as a left wing-back.

He made his international debut in 2000 and has an excellent reputation in his homeland.

Rangers manager Walter Smith wants to add experience, especially in the left side of defence.

Stevie Smith is sidelined for at least six more weeks with a groin strain while Sasa Papac is not an ideal choice at left-back.

Placente is understood to be keen for a switch to Rangers. He will speed up his exit from Vigo this week in order to clinch the move to Scotland.

Placente joined Vigo two years ago from Bayer Leverkusen.

He spent four years with the Germans and made 133 appearances.

The Argentine was in the Leverkusen side at Hampden that lost the 2002 Champions League final 2-1 to Real Madrid. Source - Sunday Mail