Smith relaxed over Bougherra transfer speculation

Rangers boss Walter Smith claims to be unconcerned about transfer speculation linking Madjid Bougherra with a move away from the club.

The Algerian central defender has reportedly caught the eye of Spanish giants Barcelona, as well as fellow Primera Liga outfit Sevilla.

"There seems to have been speculation surrounding him since he came here more or less," Smith said.

"We had it last summer and in other transfer windows and he remains here. Hopefully that will be the case next year as well.

"From any player's point of view it would be nice to be linked with Barcelona and top Spanish teams. However accurate or inaccurate that is, I don't know.

"But the only thing that concerns us is that he stays here and plays his football and he has been doing that very well for us.

"He has actually missed quite a number of games this season through injury and then being away at the African Nations Cup.

"It's good to have him back and hopefully he can stay injury-free and play for us in the manner in which he has done. He has been excellent since he came to us."