7 June 2008

RANGERS are poised to make a shock bid for former Hearts striker Andrius Velicka.

Record Sport can reveal the Ibrox club will table a s1million offer for the Lithuanian who joined Viking Stavanger in Norway from the Tynecastle club in February.

Manager Walter Smith expects to get his man and is also confident the transfer of Kenny Miller will be completed this weekend. Velicka scored 14 goals in 26 games for Hearts last season, including one against Rangers at Ibrox.

Smith hopes to land the 27-year-old hitman for around s1m, the same figure that took him to Norway where he scored three times in six appearances after his move.

Smith expects Miller's controversial s1.75m switch from Derby County to be sealed before Monday. The Scotland striker will sign a three-year deal to become the first footballer in modern history to play for Rangers twice and also for Celtic. Source - Daily Record

9 June 2008

Former Hearts striker Andrius Velicka says he would welcome a move to Rangers, if such a move is possible.

The Lithuanian left Tynecastle just three months ago for Norwegian outfit Viking Stavanger.

As yet there has been no formal bid for the player from Rangers, but the Ibrox side are rumoured to be considering a bid in the region of £1m.

"If it can happen, it will be amazing," the 29-year-old told the Edinburgh Evening news.

During his time at Hearts, Velicka scored 25 times in 49 appearances for the club.

Since moving to Viking, he has scored three goals in six games.

"To play for Rangers would just be unbelievable," he said.

"They are a big club in Europe and I think they are the best club in Scotland.

"I would be proud to get the chance to play for Rangers.

"I don't want to talk too much about this because I don't know anything yet." Source - BBC Sport

9 June 2008

Andrius Velicka last night refused to be drawn on his proposed move to Rangers.

Record Sport revealed on Saturday that the 29-year-old Lithuanian international is set to move back to Scottish football, four months after he quit Hearts.

Rangers are ready to tempt Viking Stavanger with a £1million bid this week.

When quizzed about the Ibrox interest Velicka stayed silent but Stavanger general manager Egil Ostenstad said: "No offer has been received yet but there isn't a player in Norway who isn't for sale." Source Daily Record

12 July 2008

RANGERS' move to sign former Hearts striker Andrius Velicka will beat FIFA red tape - by a day.

Rules state a player cannot feature for three different teams in a 12-month period but the Lithuanian's deal will comply.

Velicka played with the Jambos last term before signing for Norwegian side Viking in February. FIFA regulations for last season stated a player could only feature for two clubs between July 1, 2007 and June 30 this year.

If Rangers agree a fee of around £1million and settle personal terms Velicka will be registered at Ibrox after July 1 - making him exempt from the FIFA red tape that blocked Daniel Cousin's move from Ibrox to Fulham in January. Source - Daily Record

14 June 2008

Rangers are stepping up their pursuit of Viking Stavanger striker Andrius Velicka.

The former Hearts forward only left Scotland in February, but could be set for a quick-fire return.

His Norwegian club have reluctantly accepted an offer from the Gers, thought to be around £1million, and negotiations over personal terms will begin shortly.

Walter Smith's side secured the services of Scottish international striker Kenny Miller on Friday, while Nacho Novo, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Daniel Couisn, Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith complete the attacking options at Ibrox.

Velicka is concerned as to how he fits into Smith's plans with so much competition for places, but Rangers chief executive Martin Bain is due to hold discussions with the player in the coming days.

Viking's sporting director, and former Rangers hit-man, Egil Ostenstad confirmed that the Lithuanian international looks set to be heading back to the SPL in the near future.

"I have had a very good dialogue with Martin Bain," he said.

"Andrius has been given permission to discuss a contract with Rangers over the next few days."

"At this stage in his career it wouldn't have been right for us to block a move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"He will earn considerably more than he earns at Viking." Source - Sky Sports News

14 June 2008

Viking Stavanger have given Rangers permission to hold signing talks with Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka.

The 29-year-old, who left Hearts in February, will speak to Ibrox officials over the next few days and the deal is expected to go through next month.

"It wouldn't have been right for us to block a move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Viking sporting director Egil Ostenstad.

"He will earn considerably more than he earns at Viking."

It is believed that both clubs have agreed a fee of around £1m for Velicka, who scored 25 goals in 55 appearances for Hearts.

The Lithuanian international agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Tippeligaen side, with Hearts receiving a similar fee.

And Velicka has scored five goals in 13 games for the Norwegians.

On Friday, Rangers completed the signing of striker Kenny Miller from Derby. Source - BBC Sport

16 June 2008

Rangers Football Club can confirm that personal terms have been agreed on a three-year contract with Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka.

An agreement has been reached with his current club Viking Stavanger that would see his registration being lodged with the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League on July 14 when the player joins our training camp in Holland. Source - Official Rangers