RANGERS manager Walter Smith flew back from Italy yesterday without the signing news that the Ibrox legions wanted to hear as they await the premier division showdown with Celtic this weekend.

It had been strongly forecast that Smith was preparing to sign the Swedish internationalist centre-forward Kennet Andersen from Bologna after he had jetted to Florence to see the player in action against Fiorentina.

However, Smith yesterday would only say: ''I was there watching the player but Bologna are attempting to get into the UEFA Cup and while they lost in Florence they had been on a good run previous to that. They don't want to lose any players while they still have that chance of European football next season.''

The indications now are that Rangers will not get their man in time for the game at Celtic Park - and there are doubts over whether they will get him at some future date.

While Italian newspapers still suggested that he would arrive at Ibrox along with team-mate Stefano Torrissi, and that would be sooner rather than later, the talk in Sweden was different and it was not encouraging for the Scottish champions.

Apparently, Andersen told a Stockholm newspaper that he was ready to see out his contract with the Serie A club - a deal which ties him to Bologna for two more years.

Andersen was reported as saying: ''My time in Italy has been good for me and I don't know if I want to leave. I know all about the interest of Rangers but Bologna don't want to sell me. If they change their mind then Glasgow could be an option. However, while Bologna insist that I stay here then that is what I shall be doing. If that alters then things would change and I would be ready to talk with Rangers, if they were still interested.''

It was believed that the expected arrival of Jonas Thern next season and the fact that another Swedish internationalist, Joachim Bjorklund, is already in place would influence the striker. But, so far that has not happened.

Smith's first act on returning home yesterday was to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Andy Dibble after discovering that back-up keeper Theo Snelders is out of action and first-choice Andy Goram is still carrying an injury.

Smith pointed out: ''We required cover for the position and that is why we moved so quickly. Andy has experience and he was to be released by City in the summer. Now, he will be here this week.''

Dibble has been at Maine Road for some years but had a short spell on loan at Aberdeen, again when Snelders was injured.

The Dutchman damaged a calf during the Parkhead warm-up last week and has failed to respond to treatment, leaving Rangers without an experienced stand-in for their Scottish internationalist.

Smith expects Goram to be ready to face Dundee United at Ibrox tomorrow night but there will be no comeback for midfield player Trevor Steven while Paul Gascoigne is now expected to miss the rest of the season.