Soccer: Rangers lead the chase for Boumsong

RANGERS manager Alex McLeish admits Jean Alain Boumsong is a player he admires but refuses to confirm the France international is on his way to Ibrox.

The Auxerre defender is set to leave the Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps in the summer and a host of clubs are believed to be interested in him.

Reports suggest Rangers have beaten off competition from clubs in Italy, Spain, France and England to land Boumsong, who has supposedly has already signed a pre-contract agreement.

But McLeish refused to be drawn, saying: "We have been linked to a number of players and he is one I have admired.

"But until such time as any business is done on any player then I wouldn't like to comment."

In the meantime, McLeish is sweating over the fitness of Shota Arveladze ahead of their Champions League clash against Panathinaikos.

The Georgian striker has missed the last two games with a knee injury and McLeish will watch him in training before making any decisions.

A point against Panathinaikos would be enough for Rangers to beat the Greek side to a UEFA Cup spot.

Rangers are only too aware how costly their last result against Panathinaikos was they conceded a late equaliser when seemingly set for a win that could have made all the difference to their Champions League campaign.

But McLeish is adamant his players will not make the same mistakes again. He said: "We know they have a great pedigree in the Champions League.

"To go to Athens and take a point isn't something people would have expected us to do but anyone who saw the game knows that we had a very good opportunity to take all three points."