Rangers boss Walter Smith has ruled out using out-of-favour striker Kris Boyd in any deal to sign Cardiff defender Glenn Loovens.Smith has confirmed his interest in signing Dutchman Loovens after a move for Watford's Danny Shittu broke down.

Reports have suggested Rangers were prepared to include Cardiff target Boyd in a player-exchange deal to persuade the Welsh side to sell Loovens.

Cardiff have held a long-term interest in Boyd and have already seen one bid rejected for the Scotland international this summer.

Bluebirds chief Dave Jones claims the club have rejected a bid from Rangers from Loovens as they look to keep hold of the highly-rated central defender.

Smith is keen to land Loovens, but he is admanant he will not include Boyd to push through a deal.

"We've been looking to get in another central defender and Loovens is a player who has been recommended and we are taking a look at," Smith told the Daily Record.

"But if I can't get the right ones we'll just go with what we have.

"It got a wee bit frustrating for Boyd last season with him not playing and I can appreciate that but I don't want to let him go.

"We have a few strikers and I'm sure one or two may go but Boyd is not one I'd want to let go."

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