THOMAS BUFFEL looks set to quit Rangers this summer if he fails to win a regular place in Paul Le Guen's starting line-up.

THOMAS BUFFEL looks set to quit Rangers this summer if he fails to win a regular place in Paul Le Guen's starting line-up.

SportTimes understands the Belgian is becoming increasingly frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities under the Frenchman.

Buffel - signed from Feyenoord two years ago for £2.2million - has started just 14 games this season.

He was absent from the line-up in Wednesday night's shock 2-1 defeat at Inverness Caley Thistle after taking ill the day before the game. Filip Sebo came in to replace the injured Dado Prso in the Highlands and was again very poor.

Several clubs are keeping tabs on Buffel's situation and could even make contact with Rangers when the transfer window opens in two days.

But it is believed the Belgian will give it until the end of the season before he decides on his future - and that will almost certainly be a summer exit if there is no improvement in his situation.

Rangers rejected a bid from Galatasaray last season for Buffel. The Turks are bossed by Eric Gerets, and he remains interested in his countryman along with two teams in Germany. Buffel's agent insists his client's immediate aim is to stay and fight for a place at Ibrox. But that situation is likely to change in the coming months.

"There has been no direct contact from clubs recently about Thomas," said his representative Paul Courant.

"But before he signed for Rangers there were a few good clubs in Europe interested in him and they still keep an eye on his situation.

"And, if he doesn't regain a starting place in the long-term, I would expect clubs to phone.

"Thomas understands there is a lot of competition at Rangers. But of course he wants to play."

It is believed Le Guen has rejected approaches from several clubs about the prospect of taking Ian Murray on loan.

The former Hibs skipper is now back to full fitness after suffering from reactive arthritis, but the postponement of several reserve games has prevented him from getting match sharpness.

There have been enquiries concerning Murray, who was on the bench at Inverness, but Le Guen views him as an important member of the squad.

Meanwhile, Rangers have again been linked with a move for Wigan defender Andy Webster, despite chairman David Murray saying earlier this month they were not chasing the former Hearts man.

It is believed Webster has been told by Wigan boss Paul Jewell he can leave, but any sale would be complex.

Fifa will not rule on how much Wigan have to pay Hearts for Webster until February, meaning the Premiership side may find it hard to put a price on the Scotland man.

It could be that a loan move with a view to a permanent deal would be a possible option.

lRangers have confirmed that Phil Bardsley has now left the club and gone back to Man United after a disastrous loan deal.