Rangers face shelving plans to sign Manchester United striker Federico Macheda on-loan next season.

The Daily Record says Ibrox chief scout Ewan Chester watched the Italian striker in action for United's second string and raved about him to Ibrox boss Walter Smith.

It's believed Smith is keen to use his close friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson to their mutual advantage next season and Rangers have already been linked with United's Brazilian teenagers Fabio da Silva and Rodrigo Possebon.

However, hopes of landing 17-year-old Macheda were dealt a blow when he fired a sensational injury-time winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Now "Kiko" is set to win promotion to his first-team squad for the 2009-10 season after keeping his side on track for the English title.