Rangers were today preparing to make a new bid for Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Davis following Carlos Cuellar’s £7.8 million move from Ibrox to Aston Villa.

Classy defender Cuellar’s switch from Scotland to the English Premier League won’t please the Rangers fans, already depressed by the club’s European exit, but the pain would be eased if the Glasgow giants could land Fulham midfielder Davis, who was a big hit on loan with Walter Smith’s side last season.

The proposed deal taking Davis to Rangers on a permanent basis has not reached the saga proportions of Gareth Barry’s potential transfer from Villa to Liverpool, but it is a move that has been talked about for most of the summer.

Rangers made an initial bid of £3 million which was turned down by Fulham, who want something approaching the £4 million that they paid Aston Villa for him one year ago.

Since then the clubs have spoken but without reaching a conclusion.

The Northern Ireland star would be keen to return to Rangers knowing his first choice chances at Craven Cottage are likely to be limited.

Now with money to spend following Cuellar’s switch, Rangers are ready to tempt Fulham with an improved offer.

Smith could certainly do with the Cullybackey man.

In their embarrassing Champions League defeat to Kaunas last week, Rangers were sadly lacking in midfield. With skipper Barry Ferguson injured and Davis back with Fulham, the Teddy Bears were missing two of the most influential players in the side that inspired them to the UEFA Cup final last season.

As for Cuellar he has admitted that it is a hard decision to leave Rangers, but feels it is the best one for his career.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill, who of course was a massive hero with Celtic fans during his managerial reign at Parkhead, keeps a close eye on events in Scotland and has clearly been impressed by the Spanish defender.

Last night Villa agreed a fee of £7.8 million for the 26-year-old, invoking the release clause in his contract..

Cuellar, who was named Scottish Football Writers player of the year last season, told Rangers officials he wished to leave the club at the weekend.

Rangers revealed they offered the player a substantially improved contract but it was declined due to his desire to move to the Premier League.

Cuellar said: “My ambition has always been to play for my national team and I believe that playing in the biggest league in the world for Aston Villa will help me realise that.

"When I told [chief executive] Martin Bain on Sunday that I wanted to leave, I did so with sadness.

"The Rangers supporters have been fantastic to me, but I am young and want to play at the highest level.”

Smith said: “This has come as a surprise and I am disappointed. Carlos Cuellar has been a great player for the football club.

"The club has received a substantial uplift in fee and we will now reinvest in the team."

Fulham can expect a call about Davis this week.