Rangers plan David Weir talks but target new centre-backs

Rangers are still hoping to tie-up captain David Weir for another year but assistant manager Kenny McDowall has admitted other candidates for centre-half have been targeted.

McDowall has revealed that talks with the 41-year-old Weir are high on the agenda and will continue once the player has returned from holiday. Weir is adamant that he wishes to continue playing at the highest possible level and recently turned down the chance to have further talks with Brentford about the club's then vacant managerial position.

McDowall is conscious of repaying the likes of Weir for their sterling service. Manager Ally McCoist is also looking to secure Allan McGregor, Steven Whittaker and Steven Davis on long-term deals amid the much-improved financial situation secured by Craig Whyte's takeover last month.

"The priority before we bring anyone in is to look after the guys who have served the club well and deserve to be looked after," said McDowall. "Davie has been an immense guy to work with both on and off the park and I think he's had everyone's respect, and deservedly so.

"We'll talk with Davie once his holiday is over and see what his plans are and see where that takes us.

"It's an important position that he plays and we're working hard at that area. We have targets there as well so we'll wait to see what happens."

Weir joined Rangers on loan from Everton in January 2007 but has since became a regular fixture in the centre of the Ibrox club's defence, winning three successive Scottish Premier League titles. Scotland manager Craig Levein recently admitted he would be prepared to call on Weir again for Scotland's four remaining Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures next season. The defender currently has 68 caps.