Double Rangers deal on cards

LIVERPOOL are closing in on a £2.5million deal for Danny Wilson and his Rangers team-mate Madjid Bougherra is hoping to join him at Anfield.

Wilson, 18, has only one year remaining on his contract with the SPL champions and manager Walter Smith has admitted defeat in his battle to tie him down to a new deal.

The young centre-back's switch is likely to be confirmed when the transfer window reopens in June.

Wilson has been a major hit in Scotland this season and recently claimed both the PFA and FWA Young Player awards.

Bougherra is keen to return to the Premier League this summer and has made it clear Liverpool is his preferred destination.

The former Charlton Athletic defender is currently with the Algeria squad at a training camp in Switzerland ahead of the World Cup finals in South Africa.

His agent Farid Raayad claims Liverpool have expressed an interest in his services and if the Reds follow it up with an official approach then cash-strapped Rangers maybe forced to sell.

"If a big team comes in and Rangers accept an offer for me that is destiny," said Bougherra, who cost £2.5million from Charlton in July 2008.

Wilson has paved the way for his switch south of the border by paying tribute to the roles played by former Everton duo Smith and David Weir in his development.

Manager Smith gave him his first team debut back in October and 40-year-old defensive partner Weir has provided guidance during a dream campaign.

"I've already admitted I would have been happy with just one appearance this season," he said.

"But I've played 24 matches, two of them being Champions League appearances, as well as making my Old Firm debut so I really couldn't have asked for any more.

"I owe Walter Smith a great deal of gratitude as he has shown a lot of faith in me. He could have easily changed things around, moving in players from other areas of the team as opposed to playing me. But he didn't. He showed faith in me and that was fantastic.

"Davie has also been brilliant with me. He is so calm on the field and you learn so much from training and playing beside him. Even during games, he never shouts or loses his composure.

"If you maybe get under the ball, he will wait a couple of minutes and just mention your starting position or he'll perhaps tell you that you should have cleared the ball first time. But he is always constructive and I can't thank him enough."

Wilson has also played alongside Bougherra this season and is a big fan of the 27-year-old Algerian.

"Boogie is another fantastic footballer," he said. "I like to pass the ball out from defence, but I don't have the ability to do what he does and run forward and stuff.

"Playing with these guys and the rest of the team has been a fantastic education."

l Reds defender Martin Skrtel is battling to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup finals.

The Slovakia star hasn't played since breaking his metatarsal against Unirea Urziceni in February.

"It is a proud moment for my country to have qualified and I hope to be there with them," he said.

l Liverpool keeper David Martin will sign for MK Dons when his Anfield contract expires on July 1. The 24-year-old had loan spells with Tranmere, Leeds and Derby this season.

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