Gers chief keen to keep stars

16 July 2009 17:15
The Ibrox chief admitted back in January he could be forced to offload key personnel in a bid to balance the books. However, qualification for the group stages of the Champions League as a result of winning the Scottish Premier League title has helped to ease the financial pressure on the club. Davis has been linked with a move to Sunderland, while reports this week suggested Bougherra could be set to sign for French champions Bordeaux. Murray told the club's official website: "We don't wish to accept any offers for our good young players but, if we get something that is unbelievable, we would have to be realistic. "At this moment we have no intention to sell our best talent. "We are no different to any other club in that, if we receive an offer that is well above valuation, we have to consider it. But we are not promoting the sale of any of our top players. "I am aware of speculation about Madjid but, as I said, we don't want to lose our best talent." He added: "Being honest, it was crucial to win the league. If we had not done so it would have hit us heavily financially." The news was welcomed by striker Kenny Miller, who said: "We want to keep our best players at the club. "Two, in particular, who were pointed out last year were big Madjid and Stevo, they were outstanding for us. "If we can keep those boys at the club, we will be a lot stronger than we would be without them." Barry Ferguson - whose future was thrown into doubt following his part in the "Boozegate" affair while on Scotland duty last season - is holding talks with Birmingham after both clubs agreed a fee. But Miller believes keeping the rest of the squad together would be enough for Rangers to challenge again next season regardless of how many new players arrive over the summer. He said: "We've got the same squad as we had last year, barring Fergie, who has gone down the road for talks. "If nobody leaves we will be more than happy with the same squad but I'm sure the club will be looking to strengthen in certain positions. "Whether the funds are there I'm not sure, but any team looks to strengthen in the close season. "I'm sure we will be no different and the manager will be looking at a few options to bring in a few fresh faces to the squad." A question mark has been hanging over Ferguson's Rangers future since the infamous Loch Lomond drinking session and subsequent 'V-signs' incident, which saw him fined and banned by the club. He could now be set for a fresh start in the Premier League after being given the opportunity to be reunited with former Rangers and Scotland boss Alex McLeish. Miller - speaking at the launch of the new Rangers website - said: "Barry is a friend of mine and he is a really good footballer. "Towards the end of last season, there were rumours that he was going to be leaving the club. "But that's down to Barry and the club to find a new club that suits both parties. "Birmingham's first job will be wanting to stabilise their position in the Premier League, that's always the first priority for a team coming up from the Championship. I'm sure that's what their first thoughts are. "They have made a few signings this year and, if Barry becomes the next one, then I wish him all the success that he can get down there. "But it's not done yet and, at the moment, he is still a Rangers player."

Source: Team_Talk