Rangers manager Walter Smith has been told to splash the cash if he wants to succeed in his pursuit of Cardiff defender Glenn Loovens.The Cardiff defender features high on the wanted list of Smith, following a failed attempt to land Watford's Danny Shittu.

The Ibrox club had the 24-year-old watched on Tuesday night when he made an appearance as a second half substitute in a 2-1 win over Vitoria Guimaraes in the Algarve Challenge Cup.

Smith will have to move quickly if he is to recruit Loovens before Thursday's Champions League signing deadline ahead of next week's qualifier against FBK Kaunas.

But Cardiff boss Dave Jones told the Scottish Daily Mail: "If Walter wants him then make a bid but, like any of our players, he won't be cheap.

"Walter's got a big decision if he wants to come in for him.

"We have had no official contact from Rangers but, listening to what other people are saying, then who knows?

"We were told they had someone here to watch our game."

Gers assistant boss Ally McCoist insists there is still every chance of more new arrivals before the start of the season but admitted a deal for Loovens was some way off.

"It's not moved on at all to be honest with you.

"But we are still looking at one or two players.

"If the opportunity arises to strengthen between now and the start of the season, we will obviously do that.

"If it doesn't, we will just have to get one with what we've got for next Wednesday. If good players come up and they are available and we can afford them, we will certainly be in the market for them."

McCoist claims he is happy with the current squad if Smith does fail to find the quality needed to boost his options.

He added: "Barry is the real long-term one and a problem we could certainly have done without.

"But, if this is the squad of players we have to go with, I don't have any problems at all. I can see an improvement in the fitness levels and we will be ready for next Wednesday."

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