19 May 2008

RANGERS are lining up a £800,000 summer move for Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds.

The Scotland under-21 international has been on the Ibrox radar all season and Walter Smith is ready to move at the end of the season.

Reynolds has been inspirational this season and his impressive form is one of the main factors why Motherwell have finished third and qualified for the UEFA Cup.

Express Sport understands the Ibrox side enquired about the highly-rated 21 year old back in January but decided to wait until the end of the season.

Rangers are also aware Celtic and a number of English sides, including Portsmouth, are also monitoring the youngster’s progress.

Smith is expected to move quickly as he expects Celtic to step up their interest when current Motherwell head of youth development Chris McCart moves to Parkhead next month.

McCart took the youngster, who signed a long-term deal earlier this season, through the ranks and is likely to tell Gordon Strachan to firm up his interest.

Reynolds, who put on another exceptional performance in the weekend draw against the Light Blues, would give Rangers more defensive cover, as he would be a natural long-term replacement for David Weir but could also fill the trouble-some left back slot.

Motherwell would be reluctant to lose another one of their top stars but could be powerless as their manager Mark McGhee is a target for Hearts, and several of their other stars – like Chris Porter, Ross McCormack and Stephen Hughes – all look set to quit Fir Park at the end of the season. Source - Daily Express

4 June 2008

Motherwell have turned down an offer from Rangers for defender Mark Reynolds.

Reynolds caught the eye as he played every one of Motherwell's games last season and Rangers are reported to have made a bid of between £750,000 and £1million.

However, Motherwell manager Mark McGhee has knocked back the approach and insisted the Scotland Under 21 international is not for sale at any price.

Manager Mark McGhee last week rejected an offer from Hearts to stay at Fir Park for Motherwell's Uefa Cup campaign.

He has been assured by chairman John Boyle that none of his top players will be leaving the club this summer.

"It was part of my discussions with John and one of the reasons why I didn't go to Hearts," McGhee explained.

"I was given guarantees that none of our top players would be sold this summer.

"Even if Rangers were to offer £5million for Mark Reynolds it wouldn't matter to me because I would tell John that this time next season he could be worth £10million.

"Our top players are not for sale and if they are sold then I will be going out the door with them." Source - Sky Sports News

8 June 2008

Rangers target Mark Reynolds will hold talks with Motherwell boss Mark McGhee about his future straight after his holiday.

The Ibrox club, who could also unveil Derby striker Kenny Miller as a new signing, have already had a £1million bid for the promising Scotland Under 21 centre half turned down by their Fir Park rivals.

Reynolds, who is also a target for Everton, is currently enjoying a much-needed break in Mexico for the first time in three years.

From the South American destination, Reynolds told the Glasgow Evening Times: "I've spoken to the manager and he told me the situation.

"He told me just to enjoy my holiday. We will speak when I get back.

"I've honestly not given too much thought about my future yet. I would like to speak to the gaffer and Scott Leitch (McGhee's assistant), my dad and other people to get their take on it.

"I'm actually quite glad to be out here in Mexico while it's all breaking because it keeps me out of the spotlight."

Reynolds has not had a holiday in three years because he has being an integral part in Scotland's Under 19's European Championships and then in last year's World Cup.

After nearly 100 games on the bounce, McGhee told the 21-year-old defender to relax and take a break.

But with interest from the Scottish giants, Reynolds admitted: "Obviously, you hope that a team the size of Rangers come in to look at you. But I'm happy at Motherwell just now." Source - Sky Sports News

9 June 2008

SCOTLAND legend Archie Gemmill has told Rangers to dig deep and find another £1.25million – and snap up a £2m bargain in Motherwell’s Mark Reynolds.

Rangers last week had an initial offer of £750,000 booted into touch by indignant Well chief John Boyle, but are poised to come back in with a more lucrative package.

Gemmill – his boss at Scotland youth level – reckons that in today’s marketplace a £2m offer for Reynolds would be fair, not only reflecting the lad’s worth to Motherwell but also acting as a downpayment on his potential for stardom.

And even if Rangers more than double their first valuation of the 21-year-old defender, Gemmill believes they will not rue writing the bigger-than-expected cheque.

In fact, they might be in a position to make a healthy profit within a few years if the Lanarkshire lad progresses at his current rate and goes on to make his mark with George Burley’s national team.

Gemmill admitted: “I think that in today’s climate a £1.5m offer with add-ons to take it up to the £2m level is a fair price for anyone to pay for Mark. Source - Daily Express

16 June 2008

Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds says he is happy at Fir Park - despite the club rejecting an offer from Rangers.

The Ibrox club were unsuccessful with a £750,000 bid and have now ended their interest in the 21-year-old.

"I'm happy to stay at this football club and keep developing as a player," Reynolds told Motherwell's website.

"Obviously, they want a lot more money and it's nice to know that someone the calibre of manager Mark McGhee holds you in that much esteem."

Reynolds said he was flattered to be linked with a club like Rangers but stressed he was content to continue his development at Motherwell.

The Scotland Under-21 defender is under contract at Fir Park until 2011 and McGhee has insisted he wants to keep his best players.

"I think every player has aspirations to move on to bigger things - I don't think that is insulting to the fans to say that," Reynolds added.

"Everyone knows that, in Scotland, Rangers and Celtic are massive clubs with the opportunity to play in European football on a regular basis and winning medals year in and year out.

"Like every other player, those things appeal to me, but there is an appeal of moving down south to the Premiership - an opportunity to test myself in what I regard as the best club league in world football."

Reynolds broke into the Motherwell team under previous manager Maurice Malpas and was a fixture in the first-team last season, when Well finished third in the Scottish Premier League. Source - BBC Sport