30 June 2009

Rangers could be set on a new swoop for Sporting Lisbon star Tonel, as the defender looks to experience a new challenge abroad.

In November last year the Portugese centre-half admitted that a move to the SPL would interest him, after he was linked with a £2million transfer to Rangers. Real Betis, Lazio and Panathinaikos were also believed to be keen, though the transfer talk in the end came to nothing.

Tonel, who has one cap for his country, is looking for a new challenge after spending his entire playing career in Portugal, and has apparently heard good things from Rangers fan favourite Pedro Mendes.

The 29-year-old said: “I want to experience a foreign league, but I still don’t have a timescale for this.

“My agent is working on some deals and I’d prefer to play in Scotland, which is an attractive league where Rangers are in the Champions League.

“Also my friend Pedro Mendes told me good things about the club, which is also important.”

Tonel is contracted to Sporting Lisbon until 2011, and valued at around £2.5 million by his current side.

Source - STV