Eagles flies in for Rangers deal talks

The former Manchester United player met club officials at Murray Park yesterday evening. Burnley had confirmed the approach earlier in the day with a fee of around 1.3?million reportedly being discussed.

A statement read: "Burnley Football Club can confirm it has received a formal approach from Scottish Premier League champions Rangers for winger Chris Eagles, who has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at Turf Moor. The two clubs are now in negotiations."

The 24-year-old would be the first signing for Rangers since August 2008, when midfield trio Pedro Mendes, Steven Davis and Maurice Edu all arrived within a ten-day period.

And his capture would be a much-needed boost as midfielder Kevin Thomson prepares to join Middlesbrough in a deal thought to be worth 2m.

Thomson's impending departure raised fears that Walter Smith was being forced to sell players against his wishes, but the manager insists the deal is right for all parties.

Smith said: "I did say last week that we had a number of players going into the final year of their contracts and that we might have to look at offers if any came in.

"That was followed by headlines that we are selling all of our players but we're not and we don't have to sell a player.

"However, there are two sides to the Thomson deal in that he is going into the last year of his contract and, from the player's point of view, Middlesbrough can maybe offer more long-term security than he can have here."

Smith added: "We have agreed a fee with Middlesbrough so now it's done to personal terms."