Gordon Smith hopeful over new deal for Madjid Bougherra

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra could enter into talks over a new contract, according to director of football Gordon Smith. The Algeria international is entering the final year of his contract and had been thought to be keen to leave Ibrox.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said this week he would rather see Bougherra leave for nothing next summer than sell him now and revealed he might offer him a new deal. And Smith claims the 28-year-old has given the club encouragement over such an offer.

The club are still waiting to hear from Espanyol over their offer for defender Raul Rodriguez but Smith had more good news for Light Blues fans when he expressed optimism that Steven Davis would sign a new deal.

Smith said: "Madjid Bougherra, we were always looking to have him this season playing for us. The possibility now is that he's interested in talking further with us with a view to extending his contract."

Rangers have secured Steven Whittaker and Allan McGregor on long-term contracts and Davis could follow. "We have heard that there's interest there but we have had no offers and we are not interested in selling players at the moment," Smith added.