McCoist hopeful over Goodwillie

02 August 2011 11:03

Rangers are still in discussions with Dundee United over a move for David Goodwillie, manager Ally McCoist revealled on Tuesday morning.

The striker held talks with Blackburn on Monday after United chairman Stephen Thompson accepted an offer from Rovers, but he did not sign a deal. Rangers have had several bids for the player rejected but McCoist has not given up on his quest to sign the 22-year-old.

Speaking at Glasgow Airport as Rangers prepared to fly out to Sweden for their Champions League clash with Malmo, McCoist said: "I'm absolutely still hopeful. We are still in negotiations with Stephen Thompson up at Dundee United and, you know me, I'm forever optimistic."

He added: "There's a little bit of work to be done and obviously Blackburn have put in a bid that's been accepted by Dundee United, but we are still in negotiations."

Rangers have been heavily criticised for their approach to the attempted transfer, having first put in a bid close to £1million when Thompson made it clear he wanted double that.

The Gers have not yet matched the fee that United agreed with Rovers on Friday, which is reported to be £2million up front with £800,000 potential add-ons plus a sell-on clause.

But McCoist said: "We feel we have put in a bid that's very, very fair."

With Rangers' leading financial officials, including owner Craig Whyte, travelling to Sweden, Blackburn remain firm favourites to conclude the deal for Goodwillie, who scored 19 goals last season.

Although the player returned to Scotland on Monday night without signing a contract, the suggestions are the delay was down to the absence of Rovers manager Steve Kean, who was involved in talks with the club's owners following their tour to the Far East.

Meanwhile, Rangers travelled to Sweden without David Weir, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg of the third qualifying round tie, which Rangers lost 1-0.

Source: PA