Rangers agree fee with Sporting Lisbon for Pedro Mendes

• Mendes wants to push for a place in Portugal's World Cup squad

The news won't come as much of a shock to Rangers fans - reports have been linking the midfielder to Sporting since the transfer window opened at the start of the month.

But today Rangers manager Walter Smith confirmed the 30-year-old had left to undergo a medical with the Portuguese giants and that the two clubs have agreed a fee.

Smith said: "Pedro Mendes has been back to Portugal to speak to Sporting Lisbon.

"The clubs have agreed a fee and he's gone for a medical and contractual negotiations.

"From Pedro's point of view, he wants to make a push for the World Cup and it's an area where we have good cover.

"While it doesn't suit us to lose another player, we appreciate his circumstances.

"It suits both parties."

Mendes joined Rangers from Portsmouth in August 2008 on a three-year deal and helped them win the SPL title and Scottish Cup last season.

Smith also confirmed that Jerome Rothen's loan deal had officially ended, with the French winger set to complete a move to Turkey.