RANGERS will continue to track Theofanis Gekas as they ponder striking options before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
However, unless Eintracht Frankfurt are willing to lower their asking price for the 31-year-old Greek striker, a deal is unlikely to be done.
Gekas has scored 55 goals in 133 matches during spells at four Bundesliga clubs, including Bochum, Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin and now Frankfurt but has an uneasy relationship with Armin Veh, the Frankfurt coach, and is keen to leave the relegated club. Rangers were quoted a price of €1m but believe that the player’s age, lack of residual value, and the fact he has less than a year left on his contract make that fee too high, even for a striker who scored 20 times in 52 appearances for Greece before retiring from international football.
As he attempts to boost his striking options, Ally McCoist has remained in dialogue with Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager, and the option of a young Stamford Bridge forward joining on loan has not been ruled out. However, sources at Ibrox admit that attack is the only area likely to be strengthened imminently.
Contrary to reports, the manager has not been told he needs to sell but is aware that, with a budgeted £4m of European revenue lost and the wage bill increased significantly by enhanced deals given to several key performers, he may have to make some big decisions.
If Kirk Broadfoot, Maurice Edu, James Beattie or John Fleck attract any attention, Rangers would be prepared to do business to raise cash to fund moves.
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