Ufa manager Sergei Tomarov says he wants to pinch Rangers best players if they dump the Ibrox side out of the Europa League.

Rangers have raided beaten opponents Osijek for Borna Barisic and are close to agreeing another deal for winger Eros Grezda.

Now the Russian side's manager says he would like to do the same to Steven Gerrard's squad after taking a fancy to Alfredo Morelos, James Tavernier and Connor Goldson.

Ufa have already signed frontman Lovro Bizjak from NK Domzale, who they defeated in their opening qualifier, and are set to agree a deal for Progres Niederkorn midfielder Olivier Thill after edging out the Luxumbourg outfit to set up their play-off clash with Gerrard's men.

And Tomarov says he has got his eye on the Gers trio after they impressed in last week's first leg in Glasgow - but admits time is against him with Friday's transfer deadline looming.

The Ufa boss - whose side need to overturn the Goldson goal which gives Rangers a 1-0 lead on Thursday to clinch their place in the group stages - said: "Who do I fancy? Rangers have many fine footballers. I really liked Alfredo Morelos up front, Connor Goldson in the centre of defence and the captain James Tavernier at right-back.