Rangers are seeking a loan deal for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

The Daily Star Sunday says any chance of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson releasing the Northern Ireland ace would immediately see Sunderland's Roy Keane join the battle to sign him.

Fergie insists Evans, who has twice been on loan at the Black Cats, is staying at Old Trafford.

But Rangers boss Walter Smith has already made an approach for Evans, 20, as he needs a long-term replacement for ex-Everton defender David Weir, 38.

Yet Keane also wants Evans and would treble the £5million he offered in the summer for the classy defender.