Gers keeping tabs on Benalouane

Published Jul. 24, 2010 8:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ibrox boss Walter Smith, who has just lost 18-year-old Danny Wilson to Liverpool, has looked at the player and is ready to make his move for the 23-year-old, who would be his first paid-for signing for more than two years. Rangers will face opposition from Sevilla, the Hammers and Magpies in the race to sign the former France Under-21 player who will be out of contract next summer. Benalouane is eligible to play for Tunisia but is hoping to step up to the French national side. He has also said he would welcome a move to the Premier League or a big club provided they are in the Champions League. Smith, with Rangers in Sydney for three-match pre-season warm-up, admits Benalouane is one of the players on his radar. "I'm aware of Benalouane," he told the Daily Record. "We are working flat out to sign players and he has been brought to our attention. "He is a good young player."