RANGERS could be ready to firm up their long-standing interest in Watford defender Danny Shittu.

But the Hornets want around £2million for the Nigerian powerhouse who is believed to have told his employers he wants to go this summer.

As SportTimes revealed on May 10, Rangers have been tracking the 6ft 3in international for the past few months.

They are weighing up a £1m- plus offer as Walter Smith looks to add to his central defensive options for next season.

Watford chairman Graham Simpson said this week that Shittu was going nowhere, but did confirm there was Premiership interest in the player, with West Ham and Fulham also interested in the running for the 27-year-old who has 12 caps for his country.

But Shittu is aware of Rangers' interest and reports in London claim he has told Watford he wants to move on, with his preference to move north for a crack at European football.

Smith has Carlos Cuellar, Davie Weir and Andy Webster as his main central defensive options for the new campaign, but wants another player for that area.

Webster is back in full training and could feature at some stage of the club's three-game tour in Germany next week.

The Gers gaffer is happy that he has secured the services of Weir and utility man Dailly for another season.

The Scotland duo penned one-year extensions last week and will provide Smith with cover and options.

He said: "I think it's good news for us to have got both lads on board again. I am delighted that both Davie and Christian are coming back.

"Davie, in the past 18 months, and Christian in the second half of last season, showed they can play extremely well."

Smith is happy with new signings Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty in pre-season training and said: "Our new players are settling in well.

"That's not to stay they are enjoying pre-season training, but it does give them a chance to settle in."

The Gers boss has confirmed that Ian Durrant has been promoted to first team coach and will be spy-master in terms of looking at European opposition.

The former midfielder had been reserve team boss, but Billy Kirkwood is likely to assume those duties.

Smith will head off to Lithuania tomorrow with Durrant to watch possible Champions League opponents Kaunas in domestic action, while assistant Ally McCoist will go later on to see Santa Coloma in Andorra.

Smith explained: "There is an awkward age between leaving the Under-19s and making the first team. Ian will take those players under his wing and take special training sessions on match days when they are not involved.

"There will also be scouting missions when myself, Ally McCoist or Kenny McDowall can't go and he'll start off with a trip to Kaunas."

lRangers vice-chairman John McClelland has been voted onto the 15-man board of the new 103 European Club Association at its first General Assembly in Nyon.

The new body has replaced G14 and will work with Uefa on various issues, including the possibility of the Uefa Cup changing to a new Europa Cup' to increase revenue and interest.