PEDRO MENDES insists he has no plans to quit Rangers this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Ibrox club almost from the start of his career with Walter Smith's side.

Sporting Lisbon are thought to be interested in taking him back to his homeland.

Italian giants Lazio are also reported to have expressed an interest as they look to mount a Serie A title charge next term.

Mendes, however, says he is more than happy to remain at Rangers after helping the club win the league and cup double this season.

He said: "My contract is valid for two years. I feel happy in Glasgow and I see no reason not to continue at Rangers."

The financial situation at Gers could still force the sale of top players.

Manager Walter Smith will hold talks this week with chairman Sir David Murray to establish just what restrictions, if any, he will face this summer.

Mendes would possibly have more clubs after him than any other player at Rangers, but this does not concern him.

"I do not know of interest from other clubs," he said. "One thing is for certain, I will not ask to leave. Nor do I think that Rangers are thinking about a possible transfer."

Smith expects to be forced to offload players before he can look to bring in some new faces in a bid to improve his side for next season.

But rather than lose top stars, Smith hopes to trim his squad back by moving on fringe players such as Alan Gow, Charlie Adam, Stevie Smith, DaMarcus Beasley and Graeme Smith.

And significant cash is likely to be raised through the departures of Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor, who earn a combined £45,000 a week.

Smith explained: "We still have that whole financial situation. It never affected Rangers in the latter stages of last season because we never lost anyone, but we still have that situation to adjust to this summer.

"The problem kicks in now. It means the decision process is not as straightforward as when I arrived when I could say I want him, him and him'. It will not be an easy close season for anybody.

"The Champions League has meant we have more power over the decision-making process but it is still there.

"Christian Dailly and Brahim Hemdani have left and we will lose a few others. There are three or four positions that could be doing with enhancing, but if we can't do that, that is the way it is."

Meantime, Rangers youngster Georgios Efrem - who spent some time on loan at Dundee - will sign for Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.