Keegan Told To Forget His 'Number One Target'!

Last updated : 09 August 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Walter Smith insists he is under no pressure to sell star man Carlos Cuellar - or any other member of his squad - to compensate for Rangers' failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Cuellar has been linked with Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa in the wake of Tuesday night's defeat to Lithuanian side FBK Kaunas, which ended Rangers' European campaign before the start of their domestic season.

The Spanish defender endured constant speculation over his future last season thanks to performances which earned him player of the year awards from both the Scottish Football Writers' Association and SPL sponsors Clydesdale Bank.

According to Smith, Rangers have yet to receive any firm offers for the centre-back and would not welcome any, despite missing out on a Champions League windfall which could have been worth over £10million.

"We've not had an offer for Carlos Cuellar," said the Rangers boss.

"We don't want one and we are not seeking one. We don't have to sell the player or any player at this stage. We don't have to offload players simply because of that situation.

"Some players were going to leave anyway and that will still happen. But it's not entirely because of our failure to qualify for the Champions League."