Ally McCoist still hopeful over David Goodwillie

Rangers manager Ally McCoist this morning revealed his club were still in discussions with Dundee United over a move for David Goodwillie.

The striker held talks with Blackburn yesterday after United chairman Stephen Thompson accepted an offer from Rovers, but he did not sign a deal.

Rangers have had several bids for the player rejected but McCoist has not given up on his quest to sign the 22-year-old.

Speaking at Glasgow Airport as Rangers prepared to fly out to Sweden for their Champions League clash with Malmo, McCoist said: "I'm absolutely still hopeful.

"We are still in negotiations with Stephen Thompson up at Dundee United and, you know me, I'm forever optimistic.

"There's a little bit of work to be done and obviously Blackburn have put in a bid that's been accepted by Dundee United, but we are still in negotiations."

Rangers have been heavily criticised for their approach to the attempted transfer, having first put in a bid close to £1million when Thompson made it clear he wanted double that.

Rangers have not yet matched the fee that United agreed with Rovers on Friday, which is reported to be £2million up front with £800,000 potential add-ons plus a sell-on clause.

But McCoist said: "We feel we have put in a bid that's very, very fair."

With Rangers' leading financial officials, including owner Craig Whyte, travelling to Sweden, Blackburn remain firm favourites to conclude the deal for Goodwillie, who scored 19 goals last season.

Although the player returned to Scotland last night without signing a contract, the suggestions are the delay was down to the absence of Rovers manager Steve Kean, who was involved in talks with the club's owners following their tour to the Far East.

Meanwhile, Rangers travelled to Sweden without David Weir, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg of the third qualifying round tie, which Rangers lost 1-0.

But Madjid Bougherra did travel despite doubts over his Ibrox future.

Qatari club Lekhwiya have reportedly put in a bid of around £3million for the defender, who is in the final season of his contract.

McCoist was coy when asked about the situation.

"I can't confirm to be honest, all I can tell you is that Madjid if he's fit, which he is at the moment, will play tomorrow night," he said.

Weir and Kyle Lafferty, who has a hernia problem, were the only absentees as the Rangers squad gathered at the airport.

But Dorin Goian is still not sure to play as Rangers appeal against a UEFA ruling that he is ineligible.

The Romania defender missed the first leg as his work permit had not been finalised following his move from Palermo, but Rangers believe they had registered him properly otherwise.

McCoist said: "We don't know what's happening yet. Someone said it was a bank holiday in Switzerland yesterday so we are waiting on UEFA.

"We are saying the player was registered in time and the only thing that wasn't through was part of the registration document for him to come into the country and play.

"I would certainly hope to hear today."

Source: PA