Nuno Capucho has played 34 times for Portugal

Reports linked the experienced Portugal international, who still has a year of his contract to run with the Uefa Cup winners, with a move to Rangers and suggested the player was already on his way to Glasgow.

But McLeish told the club's official website that the newspaper talk was off the mark.

"We are aware of him," said McLeish.

"But it is premature to suggest he is coming here for a medical.

"We have been linked with a number of players and he is one of them."

McLeish is looking to replace a number of players from his Treble-winning side as he aims to defend domestic honours and make an impact in Europe.

Lorenzo Amoruso, Arthur Numan and Claudio Caniggia will find other clubs over the summer, while the future of striker Michael Mols remains undecided.

Defenders Jerome Bonnisel and Dan Eggen, who were brought in as squad players in January, will also be allowed to move on.

Capucho, 32, has played 34 times for his country but has fallen out of favour with Porto coach coach Jose Mourinho and only featured in the 3-2 Uefa Cup final win over Celtic due to injuries and suspensions at the club.

Rangers have also been linked with Brazilian striker Jardel, who is currently under contract at Portugese side Sporting Lisbon.