RANGERS manager Walter Smith was today trying to push through the signing of Steven Davis before tonight's first European signing deadline.

The Ibrox club are back in for the Northern Ireland internationalist after Fulham dropped their asking price for the 23-year-old.

And Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes has also been lined up as a last-ditch signing as Smith seeks midfield reinforcements ahead of next week's Champions League second round qualifier against FBK Kaunas.

Rangers contacted Fulham again last night over Davis and the two clubs were today striving to strike an agreement.

The midfielder has stayed behind in London while Fulham travelled to South Korea for a pre-season tour. And he is now hoping to receive the green light to travel to Glasgow to complete a permanent deal after impresssing in a six-month loan deal in the second half of last season.

Fulham originally insisted on a £4m asking price for Davis, and have already rejected two offers from Ibrox. But they lowered their asking price after Smith made yet another enquiry as they are looking to generate cash to bring in new faces.

However, it's the presence of a tough-tacking midfielder to add a more physical edge to the Rangers midfield that's needed, and Mendes is on the radar after Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitted he would be willing to allow the Portuguese ace to leave.

Those are the two deals Smith and chief executive Martin Bain were working on this morning.

However, Rangers are also still on the trail of another couple of players with a view to signing them before the final transfer deadline of August 31.

A central defender is still very much a priority, with Smith casting his net across Europe.

Some of the prices quoted for targets have scuppered moves, but he is still confident of getting a new face on board for that position.

The Gers boss would also like to bring in Middlesbrough Under-21 winger Adam Johnston, as his squad has been affected by injuries to Steven Naismith, Chris Burke and DaMarcus Beasley.

Smith's No.2 Ally McCoist will watch Johnston - and Cardiff City centre-half Glenn Loovens - in the Algarve Cup tonight.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate hinted he would be prepared to allow the player to move up to Scotland on loan.

He said: "We have not had any contact from Rangers but Ian Durrant is here, so maybe we will have a chat over a beer.

"The only downside of a loan to Scotland is that you are constrained. It has to be window to window - you can't call the player back."