Rangers say no to third offer for Steven Whittaker

The Scottish champions are not interested in selling the versatile player and have already turned down previous bids of 400,000 and 650,000.

The Turkish club are keen to reunite Whittaker with former club-mate Kenny Miller, who was recruited in a 400,000 deal in January despite being Rangers' top goalscorer at the time.

However, the arrival of new owner Craig Whyte in May means Rangers are no longer under the same pressure to part with their prize assets.

New manager Ally McCoist has already made it clear that he sees full-back Whittaker - who can also play in midfield - as an important part of his plans for his first season at the helm.

Whittaker is entering the final year of his contract but discussions are taking place with his agent over a new deal.

Speaking earlier this month about a previous bid from the Turks, McCoist said: "I can confirm we had an offer from Bursaspor. I took a phone call from director Andrew Dickson to tell me about it.

"He didn't even tell me the figures involved because I told him that I wasn't interested in selling Steven. I have made it clear that Steven is one of the players I see as part of my long-term plans for the club. That is why we have opened talks with his representatives to extend his current contract."

The McCoist era will begin with a pre-season trip to Germany where Rangers will play three games. They will face Sportfreunde Lotte on 7 July, VfL Bochum on 9 July and then finish off the tour with a glamour clash against Bayer Leverkusen on 13 July.

Previous manager Walter Smith used the Lower Saxony area in three out of the last four pre-seasons.