Boyd has found first team starts hard to come by

Rangers have rejected a bid of more than £2m from Cardiff City for 24-year-old Scotland striker Kris Boyd.

Doubts had arisen about the future of Rangers' present strikers after the summer signings of Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Kyle Lafferty.

But Rangers announced on their website: "We have received a bid for striker Kris Boyd, which we rejected."

Boyd started on the bench for much of last season but still ended it as top scorer at Ibrox for a second season.

The striker was signed by previous Rangers manager Alex McLeish from Kilmarnock in January 2006.

But Boyd found himself out of the starting line-up on many occasions as present boss Walter Smith adopted a single-striker formation.

He ended the season on a high with two goals, taking his total to 25 despite only 23 starts, in the Scottish Cup final victory over Queen of the South.

MY SPORT: DEBATE It's quite obvious Rangers are looking to sell him and want to attract more bids E-C-W

However, that strike rate has not deterred Smith from paying Derby County £2m for Boyd's Scotland colleague, Miller, acquiring Velicka from Viking Stavanger for £1m and this week's £3m purchase of Lafferty from Burnley.

Rangers now have a plethora of strikers on their books.

Nacho Novo signed a contract extension in December.

Fulham appear to have cooled their interest in Daniel Cousin after a failed bid last season.

Jean-Claude Darcheville, who was first choice for much of last season, has been quoted as saying that he is determined to fight for his place.

Rangers also have Steven Naismith, the presently-injured Scotland Under-21 international.

Thomas Buffel, who has been linked with a move back to Belgium, and Lee McCulloch, have also been utilised up front.

While Rangers did not name Cardiff as the bidder for Boyd, the beaten FA Cup finalists are known to be looking to strengthen their forward line, despite offering veteran former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler a new contract.

Boyd could be encouraged to move to Ninian Park by the presence of two former Rangers players - fellow striker Steven Thompson and midfielder Gavin Rae.

However, the player reiterated earlier this week his desire to stay at Ibrox and fight for his place.