Lazio chief baffled by Boyd link

There is no chance of Rangers striker Kris Boyd joining Lazio, according to the Italian club's chairman Claudio Lotito.

The Serie A side were linked with a move for Boyd on Thursday, with general manager Igli Tare saying: "It's true. Boyd is a very, very effective player and we are well aware of his situation in Glasgow."

But Lotito claims he has never heard of the 25-year-old, who has smashed in 20 goals in his last 22 games, telling the Daily Mail: "Who is Kris Boyd? This is the first time I have heard this name. Nothing will happen with him."

Boyd looked set to join Birmingham last week after Rangers agreed a £3million-plus fee with the Coca-Cola Championship high fliers.

The move broke down over personal terms but Blues boss Alex McLeish, who bought Boyd from Kilmarnock when he was manager at Ibrox has continually refused to rule out the deal being resurrected.

He said: "I have a good rapport with Kris and I know he would like to play for me. He has played well for me in the past but, if the circumstances are not right for him, then we have to move on.

"But I am still looking to bring in a new striker as we are goal-shy."

Rangers' sanctioning of Boyd's sale has angered some of the club's fans, who this week criticised the board's transfer policy as part of a wide-ranging attack.

Chairman Sir David Murray insists a prize asset must be sacrificed if the club are to plug a £4million hole in their finances.