Samba’s Russian Return

Christopher Samba is being linked with a £12m move back to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The 29-year-old Congolese international was signed as a last ditch attempt to try and secure Premier League safety, but at times failed to live up to his sizeable billing.

His reported wage packet would be difficult to manage in the second tier, as Rangers look to restructure their squad for an assault on the Championship title.

In other transfer news, Julio Cesar seems to be closing in on a move to Arsenal, as they free up Italian stopper Vito Mannone for a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Cesar has expressed his desire to remain in London and it would appear to be a formality for the Brazilian international’s services to move to North London.

Rangers moved to release four more earlier in the week following the previous announcement of Jay Bothroyd. Radek Cerny, Tal Ben-Haim, DJ Campbell and Rob Hulse all departed Loftus Road – with Cerny one of the longest serving members of the squad, signing under Iain Dowie in 2008.

Yun Suk Young is being linked with a move to Bolton Wanderers by sections of the media today, while Joey Barton was not involved in the first day of training as Harry Redknapp expects a deal with Marseille to eventually be struck.