Cardiff have denied they are discussing a bid to take Rangers striker Daniel Cousin in part exchange for defender Glenn Loovens.Rangers manager Walter Smith is known to be an admirer of the former Feyenoord player, who has so far refused to extend his City contract beyond next summer.

Reports claim they have stepped up their bid to sign Loovens by offering Gabon international Cousin to the FA Cup runners-up.

Cousin almost left Ibrox in January after Rangers accepted a £3million bid from Fulham, but FIFA blocked the transfer as the 31-year-old had also played for Lens last season.

Cardiff have consistently stated Dutchman Loovens, 24, would only be sold for a substantial fee, with £3million said to be their demand.

And the club released a statement on their website this evening denying any exchange deal was in the offing.

It read: "Despite media speculation, there are no ongoing discussions with Glasgow Rangers Football Club for Glenn Loovens to move to Ibrox in exchange for any Glasgow Rangers players coming to Ninian Park."

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