Real Betis are said to be lining up a bid for Madjid Bougherra in January, offering the defender a chance to quit Rangers after a difficult recent spell. The Algerian has angered manager Walter Smith as well as team-mates and fans by returning late from international duty three times in recent months.
With Rangers suffering financial troubles and said to need to sell at least one first-team star if a buyer is not found for the club, Betis have been encouraged to rekindle their interest in the defender. The Spanish side were one of a number of teams, including Tony Mowbray’s West Bromwich Albion, who chased former-Charlton player Bougherra prior to him agreeing to join Rangers.
Bougherra has become one of Rangers’ outstanding performers but has blotted his copybook with his late returns from trips with Algeria. The player reportedly clashed with Kenny Miller on the training ground last week and Miller and Lee McCulloch have both publicly criticised the centre-back.
On his return to the club, Bougherra was dropped to the bench by manager Smith and though the pair have both said the matter has been resolved, Rangers could cash in. The Algerian is due to go to the African Cup of Nations in January but has said he will choose club over country to play in the Old Firm match on January 3.
Betis were relegated to the Segunda Division in Spain last season and are ready to spend money to ensure a quick return to the top flight. The club bid £2million for the player when he was at Charlton but may have to improve on that figure to sign a defender whose profile has risen considerably since then.
Bougherra’s agent, Julien Piveteau, told the Daily Mail his planned talks with the Ibrox club had been moved forward to next week.
“There was a small problem with Madjid returning late from international duty,’ he said
‘After Algeria beat Egypt, he went to meet the president and didn’t get back to Glasgow on time. But everything has been resolved and he likes playing for Rangers.
‘Originally, the club told me we would discuss things at the end of this season. But the biggest issue could be their money problems.
‘I have now arranged to go to Glasgow next week to speak to the club. There have been rumours about clubs linked with Madjid, but nothing has been done officially yet.”
