Mendes set to leave Rangers

Pedro Mendes was on the brink of returning to Portugal this afternoon after Rangers agreed a fee with Sporting Lisbon for the midfielder.

Ibrox boss Walter Smith confirmed Mendes would undergo a medical with the Portuguese giants, who have been chasing the 30-year-old all month.

Mendes joined Rangers from Portsmouth in August 2008 on a three-year deal and helped them win the SPL and Scottish Cup double last season.

Smith said: "Pedro Mendes has been back to Portugal to speak to Sporting Lisbon.

"The clubs have agreed a fee and he's gone for a medical and contractual negotiations.

"From Pedro's point of view, he wants to make a push for the World Cup and it's an area where we have good cover.

"While it doesn't suit us to lose another player, we appreciate his circumstances.

"It suits both parties."

Smith also confirmed that Jerome Rothen's loan deal had officially ended, with the French winger set to complete a move to Turkey.