Rangers ready to resurrect Jansen's career

Rangers are ready to bid for Blackburn's forgotten man Matt Jansen - and give the Rovers owner, Jack Walker, his money back.

Rangers are ready to bid for Blackburn's forgotten man Matt Jansen - and give the Rovers owner, Jack Walker, his money back.

Talks between the Scottish champions and Blackburn are at an advanced stage as the coach, Dick Advocaat, targets the England Under-21 striker to join his squad quickly.

Jansen has been out of the Rovers side since the sacking of Brian Kidd and could be snapped up before a new manager is installed. A Rangers scout, Ewan Chester, this week saw Jansen in dazzling form for Blackburn's reserves, scoring one stunning goal and making another.

The Ibrox club are poised to offer Blackburn around £3.5m for the player who could replace the long-term injury victim Michael Mols. Jansen is aware of Rangers interest and could be tempted by the move that could also include a chance in the later stages of the Uefa Cup.

Rangers have been looking for a striker who is eligible for that competition and Jansen is ideal for their requirements. Rangers have been after Jansen for a couple of years. He played just over the border at Carlisle United before joining Crystal Palace.

Paul Ritchie has turned down a move to Derby County and decided to stay with Hearts and let his contract run out.

The Scotland defender refused Derby's offer of a £400,000-per-year contract with the chance of an immediate debut against the Premiership leaders, Leeds, on Sunday.

Instead, Ritchie has chosen to keep his options open in Edinburgh. He is free to talk to other clubs next month as his deal expires at the end of the season. He has been strongly linked with Rangers, but could be open to better offers in England if they emerge in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Derby's Spencer Prior is still talking over a separate £500,000 switch to Hearts and could be signed in the next 24 hours.