My Rangers move is not dead yet, insists Watford defender Danny Shittu

Danny Shittu last night claimed his £1.5million switch to Rangers collapsed after the club cut back on the personal terms initially offered — but insisted he still hopes the deal can be revived.

Talks between Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain and Shittu’s representative broke down on Sunday after a fee had been agreed with Watford for the Nigeria centre-back.

Manager Walter Smith confirmed he was now looking elsewhere for defensive reinforcements after Rangers had been unwilling to meet Shittu’s demands, reputedly for a wage of up to £20,000 per week.

The player views the situation differently and suggested the goalposts had been moved over the course of the negotiations.

However, that has not diminished his desire to become the Ibrox side’s fourth summer signing — if a compromise can be reached.

‘I was prepared to join Rangers,’ said Shittu. ‘They put a proposal on the table which was acceptable but, when the contract was put in writing, the deal had changed.

‘That is where the breakdown in talks has come about as far as I am concerned.

‘I know there is other interest out there but my first choice remains Rangers and I still believe a deal can be done. I certainly haven’t closed the door on the move but it is up to Rangers.’