Rangers manager Mark Warburton talks about the potential signing of Philippe Senderos as the former Arsenal defender trains with the club Rangers manager Mark Warburton talks about the potential signing of Philippe Senderos as the former Arsenal defender trains with the club

Mark Warburton is hopeful of tying up a deal for Rangers to sign former Arsenal and Fulham defender Philippe Senderos before Friday's game at Kilmarnock.

The 31-year-old Switzerland international has been training with the Scottish Premiership leaders since the start of last week and is now in contract discussions.

It initially looked like he would miss out on a deal because the Ibrox club wanted to sign Joleon Lescott from Aston Villa.

Lescott pulled out of that transfer, however, and Senderos is now the leading contender to become the defensive signing manager Warburton seeks to complete his squad.

He said: "We're still looking and he's looking at us. That's how it works, simple as that. He has come in and done very well physically.

"I'm very impressed. He's a good character and his CV is very impressive, there's no doubt about that.

Warburton has been impressed with Senderos during his stint with the former Scottish champions

"Hopefully we can come to a suitable conclusion very quickly. Conversations are going on so when we can announce something, we will do.

"Right now we are making progress and I don't think we are too far away. These things take time - it could be done this afternoon or it could take a couple of days. We'll see how things go."

Warburton maintains Rangers have alternatives to pursue should their negotiations with Senderos also break down.

He added: "There are other options we are looking at as well and I'm sure he has other options as well - it works both ways.

Senderos will be Warburton's final signing of the summer if he pens a contract in Glasgow

"As a club, we have to tell him what we're all about, sell what we have to offer and vice versa then see where the conversations lead us to.

"I have no doubts we have to look at more than one option and, likewise, he has to have more than one choice to make."

Warburton, meanwhile, says Celtic's qualification for the Champions League group phase is good for Scottish football - even though it could enhance their title bid against his side and others.

Brendan Rodgers' team advanced to an expected windfall of at least £20m by defeating Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the play-off round.

In turn, they will have significantly more resources in the next few months as the look to defend the Scottish Premiership.

Warburton admits Celtic's advancement to the Champions League is good for Scottish football - even if the cash they'll get could hinder his own side

Warburton said: "It's a positive. It's a Scottish club progressing to the Champions League group stages. It absolutely has to be a positive. It would be stupid to say anything other than that.

"I can't control it so I'm never going to worry about Aberdeen, Hearts, Celtic or anyone else. Nothing we can do here can control what happens away from us.

"All we can focus on is what we can control. We'll concentrate on our training, our work here, the analysis and all the other things we do. But away from us, why worry about it?"