Ally McCoist admits Carlos Cuellar is on his radar

McCoist will approach Aston Villa over a move for the Spaniard as soon as the Barclays Premier League club name a new manager.

Cuellar was a huge success in his only season at Ibrox, helping Rangers reach the Uefa Cup final in 2008 following his move from Osasuna.

McCoist, who has returned from a scouting trip to Argentina, said: "I don't like talking about other people's players but I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in a player of Carlos' quality. The managerial situation at Villa complicates the issue but as soon as they have made an appointment I'll be in touch to ask about Carlos' availability.

"It will be up to Villa's new boss to decide if he's willing to do business or not."

Rangers have also been linked with a move for French-born Tunisian defender Yohan Benalouane. The 24-year-old was a confirmed target for Walter Smith last season but he is now more accessible after his St Etienne contract expired following his loan spell with Serie A side Cesena.

Ibrox assistant Kenny McDowall believes movement in the transfer market will occur later this month as McCoist looks to provide support to the players who have taken Rangers successfully through tough times off the park.

McDowall said: "We're looking at the moment and we have targets in mind, but it's obviously still reasonably quiet at this moment in time in the transfer window.

"I'm sure over the next couple of weeks it will pick up and hopefully we can get one or two in."