Jaager lined up to follow Celik as McCoist steps up recruitment drive

Rangers manager Ally McCoist is hoping to add to the capture of Mervan Celik by securing the signature of Estonian defender Enar Jaager.

Celik became McCoist’s first signing of the January transfer window when the Scottish champions confirmed he had joined the club on a three-and-half-year deal yesterday.

McCoist now wants Jaager to be the next player to commit to a move to Ibrox after impressing while on trial with Honduran midfielder Jorge Claros this week. The Rangers manager said: “Both have done very well and we have been really impressed.

“Jaager is a very solid full-back and we will be looking to make him an offer.

“He trained on Monday, played in a game on Tuesday and did very well and looked impressive again in training yesterday and today.

“We are hoping to talk to his representatives and make him an offer.

“Jorge Claros, to be fair to the lad, came in from Miami late on Sunday night and appeared for training on Monday morning - that would be a shock to anybody’s system.

“He played in the game on Tuesday and looked very, very comfortable and has progressed on Wednesday and Thursday. I’m hopeful that Jorge can stay for another week.”

However, McCoist has now ended his interest in St Johnstone striker Francisco Sandaza after the player rejected a pre-contract offer.

He said: “We are still monitoring one or two centre-forwards. The Fran Sandaza deal is off at the moment. Fran has declined the offer of a pre-contract for the summer, which, of course, he is well entitled to do.

“We have withdrawn the offer and will just continue looking to strengthen in that department.”

John Fleck this week joined Blackpool on loan until the end of the season and Rangers may consider similar moves for other fringe players, such as Matt McKay and Alejandro Bedoya.

McCoist said: “I wouldn’t rule it out. I would need to look at numbers and take one or two things into account but it would be a possibility.”

Meanwhile, McCoist confirmed Steven Davis will take over the captain’s armband on a permanent basis following the departure of veteran defender David Weir. He said: “Steve Davis will step up and become the club captain, helped by Carlos Bocanegra. Carlos came in when Steve was suspended for the Arbroath game and Carlos, as we all know, is a natural leader.

“Steve will be captain and Carlos will be vice-captain and I don’t have problems, worries or concerns because I feel those two men are strong enough to lead our club forward.”