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Rangers’ hopes of signing experienced defender Martin Olsson are said to be “dead in the water” which could turn out to be good news for Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill.

The Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the 31-year-old Swedish international, who left Swansea at the end of last season, and are said to have tabled an offer to bring him to the City Ground.

Steven Gerrard has already held talks with Olsson’s representatives over a possible move north, but the Express say the Scottish giants were keen for the Swede to prove his fitness during pre-season ahead of any potential deal.

Olsson has almost 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, but endured a difficult campaign in the Championship last term, rupturing his Achilles at Brentford in early December which left him sidelined for the duration of the season.

(Image: TF-Images/Getty Images))

It was revealed last week that Olsson would prefer to stay in England rather than move to Scotland, providing another timely boost to Forest’s hopes of securing his services.

Forest boss O’Neill is keen to strengthen his options on the left side of defence, with Jack Robinson the only recognised left-back and Ben Osborn often drafted in to cover.

The Reds have also been linked with a move for Dutch defender Caner Cavlan.