Smith plays down McGregor rumours

05 November 2010 21:30

Rangers manager Walter Smith insists he would not welcome bids for any of his players following renewed speculation that Manchester United are interested in goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford already this term and reports have resurfaced that Sir Alex Ferguson could be set to make a swoop, 24 hours after Rangers secured back-up goalkeeper Neil Alexander on a new deal.

We are delighted to have two good goalkeepers," said Smith. "But, because we have re-signed one of them, I don't think that should indicate that there is any speculation surrounding the other."

He added: "If we were to lose any other players, we would end up with none. We've got a decent group of players and we've got a small group of players, as we keep saying.

"You talk about putting them in the shop window or players leaving but we can't afford to let any players leave. We just have to keep going. The lads that we've got have started the season extremely well and hopefully that will continue."

McGregor is not the only Rangers player to have impressed in recent months. Steven Naismith has also earned plaudits for his performances both domestically and on the European stage, as well as with the Scotland national team.

But Smith is not interested in speculation linking Naismith, or anyone else, with a move away from Ibrox until formal bids arrive.

He said: "Speculation is what it is. Maybe it suits the media but it's not actually what's happening.

"Never mind Steven Naismith, a few weeks ago it was Allan McGregor, and some other week it will be someone else.

"That doesn't necessarily mean there is any truth in it or there is anybody interested in taking the players. We need to keep all our players and that's the only thing we can focus on."

Source: PA