Rangers fans were today hoping the transfer window closes without the departures of any of their team’s star players.

Ibrox manager Walter Smith is keeping his fingers crossed for the same outcome, amid on-going interest from various clubs over his players. Smith has been trying to line up some last-minute loan deals to increase his playing squad before the deadline.

But despite working hard to put things in place, the Gers manager wasn’t optimistic of sealing anything, and club sources said they expected a ‘quiet day’ unless anything leapt out late on.

Premier League side Blackpool have been rebuffed in their attempts to land Kyle Lafferty on a season-long loan deal.

The Northern Ireland international has failed to produce the goods since his £3.75m move from Burnley just over two years ago.

However, Smith knows he would have little time to line-up a replacement if the striker – currently on duty with Northern Ireland in Belfast – was to be shipped out today.

It’s understood Rangers would be willing to sell the player – who has infuriated Smith and the Light Blue legions alike with various acts of stupidity – if they received a good enough cash offer but timing today wouldn’t suit the Ibrox manager.

Kilmarnock were also knocked back in their bid to land Andrius Velicka although that deal could still go ahead if the Rugby Park club were to return with an increased offer.

It is believed Rangers immediately rejected what they considered to be a derisory offer for the Lithuanian internationalist despite the fact the 31-year-old is into the final year of his contract.

There has also been speculation surrounding Kenny Miller after he rejected a new contract offer.

Scotland coach Craig Levein revealed he would allow the striker, and any other players in his squad, to leave the team hotel if they are moving to new clubs today but Rangers have had nothing tabled for Miller and want it to stay that way.

Meanwhile, Honduran striker Georgie Welcome, who spent a fortnight on trial this month at Murray Park has revealed he still has an option to return to Rangers in December to allow the club to have another look at him after he failed to win a deal at French club Monaco.