Bougherra destined to exit Ibroz

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra has refused a two-year deal to remain at Ibrox, saying he will seek a move away from the Scottish champions.

The Algerian centre-back, one of Rangers most consistent performers this campaign, is contracted for one more season, but has turned down a deal that would have kept him at Rangers until the end of 2013-14.

Bougherra, 28, signed from Charlton in July 2008 and has expressed a desire to return to England.

“Rangers offered me a chance to extend my contract by another two years, but I politely refused,” Bougherra said.

“I have spent three wonderful years in Glasgow and I want a new challenge.”

“My priority is to play in the Premier League, for sure. Now if it does not happen, I shall go and play in either Turkey or the Gulf countries.”

“But for now, I’m still at Rangers and we still have a lot to play for this season. I’ve not left Rangers yet.”

But Bougherra, who has been injured since Rangers’ dramatic 2-1 extra time win over Celtic in the final of the CIS Insurance Cup final on March 20, said he was not against the prospect of staying at Rangers.

“I have one year left of my contract with Rangers and everything depends on discussions I have with the people in charge of the club,” Bougherra said.

“If I do stay another year, there will be no problem on my side because I’ve only known good times with Rangers.”

“Now if there is a great challenge for me elsewhere and the club is okay with it, I think I will be leaving.”