Ally McCoist, the Rangers manager, has revealed he still hopes to keep Neil Alexander at Ibrox beyond this season, despite confirming his interest in Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

Rangers are attempting to sign Bell on a pre-contract agreement that would allow the Scotland internationalist to join on September 1, when the club's transfer embargo expires. That does not necessarily spell the end for Alexander, who has been in talks with the club over a new contract since the end of last year.

McCoist said: "We are interested in Cammy Bell. We would like to keep Neil as well because I want to have two strong goalkeepers and then it would give me the opportunity to send Scott Gallacher out on loan.

"Cammy is a player we have looked at and he fits the bill in terms of his ability and his availability in terms of being out of contract in the summer.Nothing has been finalised but he is a player we hope to have a chat with and find out what his situation is."

Bell revealed yesterday that his agent was in talks with a number of clubs, including Kilmarnock. He said: "There has been discussions but I haven't signed anything yet. My agent has spoken to a number of different clubs who have contacted him to ask about my situation."

McCoist also revealed he was hoping to tie down 18-year-old winger Fraser Aird on a long-term deal but reported bad news on captain Lee McCulloch's recovery from an ankle problem, which has kept him out since January 5.

McCoist said: "We are sending Lee back for another scan.Obviously, we need to get it right."