Rangers prepare to release Mendes to Sporting Lisbon

Pedro Mendes is poised to return to Portugal after Rangers agreed a fee with Sporting Lisbon.

Ibrox boss Walter Smith confirmed Mendes would undergo a medical with the Portuguese giants, who have been chasing the 30-year-old midfielder.

Smith said: "Pedro Mendes has been back to Portugal to speak to Sporting Lisbon.

"The clubs have agreed a fee and he's gone for a medical and contractual negotiations.

"From Pedro's point of view, he wants to make a push for the World Cup and it's an area where we have good cover.

"While it doesn't suit us to lose another player, we appreciate his circumstances.

"It suits both parties."

Smith also confirmed that Jerome Rothen's loan deal had officially ended, with the French winger set to complete a move to Turkey.