MILLER 'SO CLOSE' TO IBROX RETURN

Miller - close to Ibrox return.

Rangers are close to completing the signing of Scotland striker Kenny Miller from Derby.

The 28-year-old is set to seal his return to Ibrox, almost seven years after leaving the club to sign for Wolves.

He crossed the Old Firm divide to join Celtic in 2006 before moving to Derby last August.

Miller will become the first player to leave Rangers and have a spell with Celtic before returning to the Light Blues.

He will be reunited with the Rangers management team of Walter Smith and Ally McCoist, with whom he enjoyed success at Scotland level.

Miller told the Scottish Sun: "It's getting so close now and I'm thrilled at the prospect of working with Walter and Ally again after our time with Scotland."

Miller should have a medical this morning and could clinch his dream move later in the day.

He was unable to keep Derby in the Barclays Premier League during his one season at Pride Park, and could only score four league goals in 30 starts.

The prospect of competing for trophies at Ibrox, and helping last season's UEFA Cup finalists reach the Champions League, was immediately preferable to a season in the Coca-Cola Championship with the Rams.

Rangers manager Smith is looking to strengthen his attacking options after missing out on the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title to Celtic, and he is also reportedly keen on Viking Stavanger's former Hearts frontman Andrius Velicka.

The move for Miller has not been popular among a large number of Rangers supporters though, after they saw him score against their team for Celtic in September 2006.

Rangers have also been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Milan Purovic.

The 23-year-old former Red Star Belgrade player struggled to make an impression for Sporting last season.

The arrival of Miller and anticipated signing of at least one additional striker will cast doubt on the future of forwards already at Rangers.

Daniel Cousin is expected to be sold, if Rangers can find a buyer prepared to meet their asking price, while Thomas Buffel is almost certain to go.

Miller's Scotland team-mate Kris Boyd could also need reassuring about his future, however he may take encouragement from the arrival of his international colleague who might become a regular strike partner for club and country.

Rangers have already done one deal this summer, clinching a permanent deal for defender Andy Webster who had spent 17 months on loan from Wigan.