Amoruso drops West Ham hint

Amoruso could have played his last game for Rangers

Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso has dropped the biggest hint yet that he could be on his way out at Ibrox.

The Italian defender said after Tuesday evening's defeat of St Mirren that a move to West Ham was on.

The deposed Rangers skipper added that he was settled at Ibrox but that he did not want to play somewhere he was not appreciated.

Manager Dick Advocaat stressed that the player was still under contract at Rangers but conceded that Amoruso could leave if he so desired.

I don't think the deal will happen and that's fine by me

  Dick Advocaat

"To be honest something is on, but nothing has been decided yet so I don't know what will happen," said the former Fiorentina defender.

He confirmed that contact had been made between West Ham and his agent, adding that further talks were likely during the SPL's winter break.

"We have been talking and maybe we will be able to sort out another meeting.

"I have played three-and-a-half-years here and I am settled here. But when you feel you are not appreciated, sometimes it is better to leave."

Unpredictability

Amoruso has been vilified throughout his Rangers career for a series of aberrations which have cost the club vital points.

He was held primarily responsible for their exit from this season's Champions League when his mistake allowed Marco Simone to score a crucial equaliser in the game against Monaco.

But he has also been at the centre of most of Rangers' impressive victories over the last three years.

It is that unpredictability which ultimately cost him the Rangers captaincy earlier this season and which may eventually lead to him leaving the club.

With little in the way of defensive cover, however, Rangers seem ill-equipped to let the Italian leave.

Advocaat emphasised that the decision belonged to the player, but suggested that a deal is not a foregone conclusion.

"Everybody is talking about him going to another club but I know there is still a big difference between Lorenzo and the other club.

"I don't think the deal will happen and that's fine by me, but it must be fine by him also."

With Craig Moore still a long way from fitness, Scott Wilson and Tony Vidmar are Rangers' only other central defenders, but neither have Amoruso's experience.

West Ham manager Harry Redknapp appears to be keen, though, to bring Amoruso to Upton Park to plug a defence which was run ragged by Manchester United on New Year's Day.