McCoist denies reports of Aluko family whip-round

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist has disputed reports that the Ibrox club did not make any financial contribution to the deal which secured the signing of Sone Aluko from Aberdeen.

The Nigerian international winger, who is set to make his debut for the Scottish champions against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tomorrow, revealed he dipped into his own pocket in order to push through the move which saw Aberdeen receive a compensation package worth potentially more than £100,000.

While McCoist is gratified by Aluko’s desire to play for Rangers, he was irritated by claims that the 22-year-old and his family had been forced to use their life savings in order to make it happen.

“Some of the reporting has been, at best, very average indeed,” said McCoist. “Aberdeen are a bit upset about it. I can totally understand where they are coming from. I wouldn’t say I’m upset, but I’m a wee bit disappointed. There has been talk about the lad’s family (paying from their savings) and all that stuff, which I can tell you is absolute nonsense.

“I’ll tell you why I’m having a go. Someone has said he is paying £150,000, which is really poor. He is paying absolutely nothing like that. If it’s a tenth of that, maybe.”

In terms of what percentage of the fee to Aberdeen had been paid by Aluko, in comparison to the sum paid by Rangers, McCoist was unable and unwilling to answer. “I don’t know 100 per cent, but I wouldn’t tell you if I did,” replied McCoist.

Aluko, who has joined Rangers until the end of the season with an option for a further two-year contract, also denied the suggestion that his part in the deal had involved his family.

“It wasn’t a case of waiting on a family whip-round and going into savings,” said Aluko. “That doesn’t happen. My contract is personal between me and the clubs.