the Dutch midfielder, Said Boutahar, has emerged as a potential replacement for the outgoing playmaker Mikel Arteta.

Reports from Holland suggest that the 22-year-old, who will leave Eredivisie

strugglers RKC Waalwijk in the summer has been recommended to Alex McLeish by Jan Wouters, the first team coach at Ibrox.

Boutahar was a product of the Feyenoord youth development system and graduated at the same time as his close friend and international midfielder, Robin van Persie.

He was unable to hold down a first team place in Rotterdam but has flourished under the former West Brom and Feyenoord favourite, Martin Jol, at RKC and regards Rangers as the ideal platform to showcase his talents to the Dutch national coach, Dick Advocaat.

Last night, the RKC technical director, Marcel Brands, admitted he was powerless to prevent Boutahar's departure but predicted a bright future for him in the Premierleague, despite drawing comparisons between the son of Moroccan parents and the Celtic misfit, Bobby Petta.

''He is small but very technical and likes to play behind the front two,'' said Brands. ''He is a classic No.10. In terms of style the closest comparison I can think of is Bobby Petta.

''I have heard of Rangers' interest in him and there is nothing we can do to stop it. We have been honest with our players because there is going to be a management change in the summer. There is a period of uncertainty and we have asked those out of contract to be patient, but Said has already told us he intends to leave.

''If he goes to Rangers, it will be a good move for him because they are a much bigger club than us and I know how much he wants to play for the Dutch national team.''

Arteta has already expressed his desire to return home to Spain and will be allowed to leave Rangers for around (pounds) 3m. Boutahar would cost nothing and earn a fraction of Arteta's (pounds) 25,000-per-week.

It would represent a sound piece of business for a club attempting to reduce its (pounds) 68m debt, with wages the main contributory factor, but Brands insists Boutahar will not prove a cheap imitation.

He did concede that his slight build might prove problematic in the comparatively physical Premierleague, a weakness which has resulted in Arteta missing much of this season through injury.

''When he came to us it was difficult for him to complete 90 minutes but he is much stronger now. I can't say how he will cope with the demands in Scotland but he is a talented enough player to overcome any problems. I was surprised he was released by Feyenoord because they regarded him highly but he has been a good player for us and he will continue to develop.''

Having already signed the French international defender, Jean-Alain Boumsong, on

a pre-contract agreement, Rangers' attention now will be focused on finding a reputable goalscorer.

Last night McLeish denied that man was Nacho Novo, the Dundee striker, and also ruled out suggestions that Julian Speroni, another player expected to leave Dens Park this

summer, was a target.

The Finnish forward, Mikael Forssell, though, is thought to be one of the prominent names on McLeish's shortlist. The Chelsea striker, on a season-long loan at Birmingham City, will not be sold for less than (pounds) 4m and his agent, Vicenzo Morabito, revealed Liverpool, Newcastle and Fulham have declared an interest in Forssell.

He did suggest Rangers' Champions League guarantee could be a trump card, though. ''Mikael needs to be playing in the Champions League on a regular basis and he can't do that at Birmingham,'' he said.

Pressure off, Page 33