RANGERS are set to use veteran defender David Weir as bait to lure striker Kyle Lafferty away from Turf Moor.

The Scottish Cup holders are favourites to land the Irish international, who is a big Gers fan.

And they are set to test Burnley's resolve by offering a cash plus player deal, which includes Weir as a makeweight.

The 38-year-old has been told by boss Walter Smith that he will not be an automatic first choice next season.

Sources in Scotland say the former Everton defender is keen to move back to England, and his family is still in Lancashire.

But much will depend on Burnley manager Owen Coyle, who sees Lafferty as a key player as he attempts to build a side around his young players.

Burnley have so far resisted all attempts to wrestle Lafferty away from Turf Moor, but they will come under increasing pressure this summer as some of football's big guns come knocking at the door.

Last week, Wolves reportedly tabled a £4 million deal, which is thought to have included Steven Elliott.

The Clarets have also rejected a £4m offer from Fulham, and £3m plus the £1m-rated Derek Riordan from Celtic.

But Smith has been admirer of Lafferty for almost two years, and sees the youngster as a major summer target.

Weir, capped 61 times by Scotland, started his career with Falkirk before moving to Hearts.

Walter Smith took him to Everton in 2002 for £200,000, where he played more than 250 games.

Smith then signed him for Rangers in January 2007, and he has featured 78 times, culminating in Saturday's Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South.