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Matt McKay is set to bid A-League champions Brisbane Roar farewell with Scottish giants Rangers hoping to sign the Socceroos midfielder this week.
Rangers broke news they were interested in the Roar captain on their official club website late Sunday night (AEST), and McKay could be released as early as Tuesday.
Brisbane’s policy is not to stand in the way of players taking up big offers overseas and McKay, at 28, is unsurprisingly keen to take up an offer with the Europa League outfit.
Rangers want to have a deal finalised before the Europa League play-off signing deadline on Thursday.
McKay visited the Glasgow-based club’s facilities while in the United Kingdom for Australia’s international friendly against Wales in Cardiff on Thursday morning (AEST).
“I just had the opportunity to go up and have a look at the club and it’s a massive club and to have interest to go there is pretty special,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity I’ve never had before. I’ve never played in Europe before and it’s something that’s always enticed me and to have that opportunity is great.
“We’ll wait and see if things pan out.”
McKay has been highly recommended to Rangers by their former captain and Socceroos defender Craig Moore who played three seasons with the hard-working midfielder at the Roar.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist also sounded out other ex-Rangers – Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson and former Roar playmaker Charlie Miller – about the 16-cap Socceroo.
McKay has been the heartbeat of the Roar since the A-League kicked off in 2005 and it would be a massive loss for Brisbane.
He took over the captaincy from Moore midway through the 2009-10 season and led Brisbane to a record 28-match unbeaten streak last season as they surged to the premiership and championship.
Vice-captain Shane Stefanutto and goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos would loom as his potential successor.
Roar coach Ange Postecoglou already has a growing job on his hands to maintain his club’s success with grand final trio Jean Carlos Solorzano, Kosta Barbarouses and Milan Susak no longer in Brisbane.
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