Rangers: Christophe Berra among McCoist targets

Christophe Berra: Free agent after leaving Wolves. Picture: SNS

• Christophe Berra and Boris Pandza among signing targets for Rangers

• Both players are free agents after leaving Wolves and Belgian side Mechelen respectively

The Light Blues boss has already held talks with Berra, 27, who is a free agent after being released by Wolves.

And he believes the Scotland international fits the bill perfectly as he steps up his efforts to recruit a centre-half for Rangers’ assault on the Second Division.

McCoist told the club’s website: “Without doubt, Christophe is someone I’m looking at.

“He’s a player I would think ticks the vast majority of the boxes. He’s a great age, a good player and he has vast experience.

“I know he has one or two options which I totally understand and the financial aspect will certainly come into it. I appreciate that because he has a young family.

“Christophe is someone we’d be keen to discuss terms with though and if we could get him in that would be great.

“We’ve been lucky enough to strengthen in other areas but centre back is a key position for us and it’s important we strengthen there too.

“I’ve spoken to Christophe and to his agent. There’s still an awful lot of work to be done if there’s going to be a deal but the signs are we could possibly do something there.”

Also on McCoist’s wanted list is Bosnian defender Pandza, who was recommended by former Gers left-back Sasa Papac.

The 26-year-old is also a free agent and most recently turned out for Belgian side Mechelen.

McCoist said: “Boris has come to our attention too and my chief Bosnian scout Sasa Papac, who I talk to on a regular basis, speaks highly of him.

“They are both from Mostar so they know each other pretty well and Sasa has given him a glowing report.

“Everything we’ve heard about Boris has been very, very positive and he is another one we have been looking at.

“It’s not rocket science. The majority of the goals we lost last season were from set plays and central defence is an area we’ll certainly have to do better in this year.”

Former striker Nacho Novo - who has expressed a desire to return to Ibrox - has been training at Murray Park but McCoist played down the Spaniard’s chances of being offered a deal.

He said: “Nacho is in to use the facilities first of all. He’s a well-known face around here and he’s welcome back any time he likes.

“We’ve been having a wee look at him and as you can imagine nothing has changed. He’s running about there at 100 miles per hour and is in good form.

“I’ve got to be honest and say we’ve signed a couple of centre forwards and our priority is getting a centre back.

“In that sense we’ll see what happens. There’s nothing in it at the moment and he’s just coming in to train and enjoying himself with the lads.”

McCoist has made seven signings so far, with Honduran midfielder Arnold Peralta set to arrive in Scotland next midweek after a holiday.

However, Rangers interim chief executive Craig Mather has warned more players may have to leave before he sanctions any more new recruits.

Carlos Bocanegra and Dorin Goian - on loan at Racing Santander and Spezia respectively last season - have sealed their permanent departures from the Light Blues.

Goalkeeper Neil Alexander also looks unlikely to be back at Ibrox after failing to reach agreement over a new deal, while Kane Hemmings was not offered a new contract.

Mather told RangersTV: “More of the squad could be moving on. There’s potential for that, I’m not going to sit here and hide it.

“Ally has made no secret of the fact he’d like to make one or two more signings if possible and in principle I have no problem with that.

“We do have to balance the books though and look at it accordingly. It would be good for the stability of the club if we can get a couple more moved on as well.”