Rangers close in on Francisco Sandaza

Manager Ally McCoist hopes Rangers are close to agreeing a deal with former St Johnstone striker Francisco Sandaza.

The 27-year-old Spaniard netted 14 goals for the Perth side last season and turned down a pre-contract approach from Rangers in January.

“I’m hopeful that we can get him,” said McCoist. “We haven’t signed him yet, but we’re hopeful that it’s close.”

Striker Kevin Kyle continues to train with the Ibrox club, along with Brazilian defender Emilson Cribari.

On the 32-year-old South American, McCoist explained: “He’s been here for a couple of days and both parties are keen to do something.”

Emilson has Serie A experience, having turned out for Udinese, Lazio, Siena and Napoli in Italy’s top flight.

“He has played at a top level and we are enjoying having him,” continued McCoist, who is preparing his team for Tuesday’s League Cup match with East Fife and Saturday’s Third Division opener at Peterhead.

“It’s important that players coming here know the situation, particularly foreign players, but in saying that we have been world news for the past four or five months.”

Former Kilmarnock and Hearts forward Kyle has not played since January 2011, having been dogged by a persistent hip injury.

But following surgery, the 31-year-old has been training with Dunfermline and St Johnstone this summer before joining up with McCoist’s squad.

The Rangers boss added: “We’re hopeful that a deal can be done there too. He’s been in training and has been doing well.

“We’re signing players that hopefully can get us through next season. We’ve lost a phenomenal amount of players, near 23 I think.

“It’s important that we sign players that we can afford but also who the fans want to come and see. We need quality, the fans deserve that.”

Rangers are busy recruiting before a year-long transfer ban begins on 1 September, which was one of the sanctions accepted by Charles Green’s consortium as a condition of the club being granted membership of the Scottish Football Association .

Former Celtic and Hearts striker Craig Beattie has been offered terms and club chief executive Green continues to discuss a possible deal with the player’s representatives.