Ally McCoist confirms interest in Francisco Sandaza and warns Malaga off Allan McGregor

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist has confirmed his interest in St Johnstone striker Francisco Sandaza but says the Spaniard is just one of multiple targets in forward positions he has during the current transfer window, although The Scotsman understands Hibernian’s Garry O’Connor is not one of them.

With Kyle Lafferty last week joining Steven Naismith on the injury list at Rangers, McCoist’s need for striking reinforcements has been intensified.

St Johnstone have placed a £300,000 price tag on Sandaza, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and McCoist revealed he will consult with chairman Craig Whyte before deciding on his next move. “I’ll need to regroup and have a wee chat when I get back down the road,” said McCoist after his team’s 4-0 Scottish Cup fourth-round win over Arbroath at Gayfield Park yesterday. “I’ll have a chat with Craig and see where we are on that one. He (Sandaza) is one of a number of players, certainly forwards, that I am really, really interested in.”

McCoist, meanwhile, denied any knowledge of reported interest from big-spending Spanish club Malaga in his goalkeeper Allan McGregor. “No, there’s nothing in that as far as I’m aware,” said McCoist. “Happily the weather in Arbroath today wasn’t too bad, to make him change his mind. I think we would all be heading for Malaga in that case. But seriously, Allan is a massive part of our plans for the future. I can tell you right now I certainly don’t welcome any bids for Allan.” Rangers last week turned down a bid, believed to be around £500,000, from Sochaux for midfielder Maurice Edu with McCoist keen to extend the American international’s contract which still has 18 months to run.

Edu yesterday confirmed he was aware of the French club’s interest in him but is content to remain with Rangers. “It’s always flattering to be linked with a different team but I’m just focused on our next game,” said Edu. “I’m enjoying my football here and feel I’m comfortable.

“It’s always nice when the manager and his staff make it clear they are pleased with the way you are playing and they want you to stay. I knew about Sochaux’s interest but I leave my agent to handle things like that.”

There were fears of a fresh injury blow for Rangers yesterday when on-loan Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley limped out the action with an ankle problem but McCoist is optimistic there is no serious damage.

“I think Kyle is okay,” said McCoist. “His ankle has been heavily iced. He got a fright with the way his ankle twisted but it did feel a little better when he stood up. I wasn’t prepared to take any chances, so took him off. We will look at him tomorrow but hopefully he will be okay.”

Celtic joined Rangers in the hat for today’s William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round draw as Anthony Stokes scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Peterhead.