Lafferty deal to Rangers delayed until Gow decides on Burnley move

Northern Ireland forward Lafferty travelled north to have contract talks with Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain yesterday morning after the Championship club accepted the cash-plus-player package on offer from Rangers.

Those discussions progressed smoothly, but the deal could not be wrapped up as Gow has not yet committed to moving to Turf Moor.

Doorstep to heaven? Lafferty arrives for signing talks at Ibrox yesterday

In limbo: Kyle Lafferty of Burnley

The former Falkirk player, who did not make a single SPL appearance for Walter Smith's side last season, held talks with Burnley chairman Barry Kilby after being informed he was being used as a makeweight in the Lafferty deal.

Gow has not accepted the initial offer from the Lancashire outfit, although they remain hopeful he will move south after further discussions today.

"I think Alan is very keen," said Kilby. "He went to Rangers last season but has been on the sidelines. At this stage of his career, he is very anxious to get back out on the pitch.

"The supporters in Glasgow perhaps felt he did not get the chance he deserved. But he is not our player yet. It's not a gimme."

Manager Owen Coyle and assistant Sandy Stewart have both worked with Gow in the past and his presence in the Lafferty deal was a key factor in Burnley accepting Rangers' offer.

Should the 25-year-old forward opt against joining up at Turf Moor, then the Ibrox side would likely have to stump up another £500,000 to complete the transfer.

A further complication is that Lafferty, 20, is due to depart on holiday today.

"We have received a very good offer from Rangers - a deal worth close to £4m when you include Alan," said Coyle earlier yesterday.

"Ultimately, Kyle wanted to leave the club after saying he felt it was time to move on."

Rangers confirmed the reason for the delay in announcing Lafferty's capture through a statement on their website.

"Terms have been agreed both between Burnley and Rangers and between us and Kyle Lafferty in relation to the move to Ibrox," it read. "Discussions between Alan Gow and Burnley are on-going."

Burnley plan to use some of the Lafferty cash to fund a third bid for Hearts winger Andrew Driver.

Coyle has had offers of £500,000 and £700,000 for Driver rejected, with the Tynecastle club understood to be looking for at least £1m. Falkirk defender Darren Barr is another target but no deal has been struck there, either.