Smith: Cousin deal in the balance

Rangers boss Walter Smith admits Daniel Cousin's £3million move is "in the balance" but hopes the striker is granted permission by FIFA to sign for Fulham.

The switch is in doubt as FIFA regulations forbid a player appearing for three clubs during the course of a season. Cousin played 20 minutes for Lens this season before a £1million switch to Ibrox in August.

"The Cousin deal is in the balance but we are hopeful that FIFA will look at the situation sympathetically," Smith told www.rangersfc.co.uk.

He added: "The player has expressed a desire to play in the Premiership and it is better for all concerned that the deal goes through."

Cousin is hoping to win dispensation to allow him to complete his dream move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Gabon frontman made no secret of his desire to play in England after joining Rangers and Smith admits it would be in everyone's interests for the 30-year-old to move on after the Ibrox club agreed a fee with the Cottagers.

Rangers are also hoping that midfielder Amdy Faye gets permission to join Blackburn.

Faye is training with Rovers after struggling to win a first-team spot at Ibrox following his loan move from Charlton.

The Senegal midfielder played twice for the London club in August.

Rangers are hopeful that FIFA will allow both players to play for their new clubs after granting permission to Javier Mascherano to sign for Liverpool last season after his earlier move from Corinthians to West Ham.