Source: Team_Talk
Gers reject third Whittaker bid
Rangers have confirmed they have rejected a third bid from Bursaspor for defender Steven Whittaker.[LNB] The Turkish outfit tabled an increased offer of 750,000 euros, according to the Ibrox club's official website.[LNB]But the Scottish champions are not interested in selling the versatile player and have already turned down previous bids of 400,000 and 650,000 euros.[LNB]Bursaspor are keen to reunite Whittaker with former club-mate Kenny Miller, who was recruited in a £400,000 switch in January despite being Rangers' top goalscorer at the time.[LNB]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.[LNB]New manager Ally McCoist has already made it clear that he sees the full-back - who can also operate in midfield - as an important part of his plans ahead of his first season at the helm.[LNB]Whittaker is entering the final year of his contract but discussions are taking place with his agent over a new deal.[LNB]Speaking earlier this month about a previous bid from the Turks, McCoist said: "I can confirm we had an offer from Bursaspor.[LNB]"I took a phone call from director Andrew Dickson to tell me about it.[LNB]""He didn't even tell me the figures involved because I told him that I wasn't interested in selling Steven.[LNB]"I have made it clear that Steven is one of the players I see as part of my long-term plans for the club.[LNB]"That is why we have opened talks with his representatives to extend his current contract."[LNB]The McCoist era will begin with a pre-season trip to Germany where Rangers will play three games.[LNB]The Light Blues will face Sportfreunde Lotte on July 7, vfl Bochum on July 9 and then finish off the tour with a glamour clash against Bayer Leverkusen on July 13.[LNB]Previous boss Walter Smith used the Lower Saxony area in three out of the last four pre-seasons and McCoist has opted to return to north-west of Germany ahead of the new campaign.
