Rangers pull plug as Watford defender Shittu demands £20k-a-week wage

Talks between Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain and Shittu's agent broke down without agreement and Walter Smith is now focusing on other defensive targets to continue his squad strengthening.

Priced out: Rangers believe Danny Shittu (left) has made excessive wage demands

The Nigerian international had been poised to become Rangers' fourth summer signing, but a reputed desire for up to £20,000 per week, which would have doubled his wages at the Championship club, has scuppered the transfer after Watford accepted an improved bid on Friday night.

Ibrox manager Smith confirmed the development after watching his side kick off their pre-season tour of Germany with a 1- 0 win over Fourth Division SC Preussen Munster last night.

'We haven't accepted his wage demands,' said Smith. 'It would look like it is over now because it has been going on for a wee while.

'It's not about any gulf in wages between England and Scotland, simply a situation that he wanted more than we were prepared to pay him.

'We have been looking at a few players for a number of positions and still are.

'But I'm not going to buy someone just for the sake of it. I'll make sure he can come in and add something to the squad.' 

A minority of Rangers fans booed the early touches of Kenny Miller as the Scotland striker made his debut second time around after becoming the first player in modern times to twice cross the Old Firm divide.

Smith insisted he was unaware of that discontent being expressed inside the Preussen Stadion, which faded out after Miller helped set up the penalty converted by Charlie Adam before half-time.

'I never heard any booing and was pleased with how he played in the game,' said Smith. 'I thought he did all right. First games are always awkward but he could have ended up getting himself a goal or two.

'He was unlucky with one that hit the post in the second half.'

DaMarcus Beasley and goalscorer Adam both limped off after the interval but Smith is hopeful neither have suffered injuries serious enough to keep them out of Rangers' opening Champions League qualifier against either Lithuanians FBK Kaunas or Andorrans Santa Coloma in just 16 days' time.

New £3.25m signing Kyle Lafferty suffered a back strain in training but is still expected to feature before the German tour concludes against Schalke 04 on Saturday.

'Beasley's injury is perhaps the more serious but we'll need to see when it settles down,' added Smith.

'It's his hamstring and we don't think it's anything too bad.

'Adam took a knock on his ankle but the rest of the lads are just dealing with blisters and the like.

'As for Lafferty, he hurt his back in training. He wouldn't have played in this game anyway, but he should be clear in a couple of days.

'I don't know yet if he'll be ready in time for the game we have on Wednesday night.

'We had always planned to change the team around for that match in any case, so that all of the lads get a decent run out before we play Schalke.

'We just hope we don't get any more injuries.'