FOOTBALL

RANGERS TARGET TO COST £2 MILLION

MATTIAS BJARSMYR: Rangers target

Friday January 2,2009

By Scott Burns

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RANGERS were last night warned they will have to meet IFK Gothenborg’s £2 million asking price if they want to land star defender Mattias Bjarsmyr.

Reports in Sweden had suggested the Swedes might be prepared to let him go on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer to be paid at the end of the season.

That option, though, has been blown out of the water by Gothenborg sporting director Hakan Mild, who has insisted the Swedish international will only be sold if the price is right.

IFK also know there is no shortage of offers as AZ Alkmaar, Feyernoord, Anderlecht and Red Bull Salzburg are also interested.

Mild warned: "We’re not interested in letting Mattias away on a loan deal.

“That has never even been up for discussion.”

Ibrox boss Walter Smith also has an interest in Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl and Hearts captain Christophe Berra but he can’t raise the transfer money to buy either.

We’re not interested in letting Mattias away on a loan deal

Hakan Mild

Before he could make his move he has to offload several of his fringe stars.

Alan Gow looks likely to return to the Championship with Wolves but Smith also wants rid of Brahim Hemdani, Christian Dailly, Charlie Adam, and Andy Webster.

The Light Blues are also prepared to sell Lee McCulloch and Demarcus Beasley if the price is right.

Marseille could also make an offer for long-term target Madjid Bougherra but Smith would prefer to keep a hold of his summer signing from Charlton.