Daniel Cousin signed for Rangers from Lens in the summer

Chief executive Martin Bain said: "I am disappointed that someone has chosen to bring into the public domain details of a contractual agreement with a player.

"There is an exit clause in Daniel's contract, but it cannot take effect until the end of the season.

"And the fee required under the terms of the deal is �3m."

Cousin has been in and out of the Rangers side after signing from Lens for �1.1m in the summer.

But he shot to prominence when he scored one goal and made another in a 3-0 win over Lyon in the Champions League.

Daniel Cousin is a top-class striker with loads of experience who can score goals Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley

And former Rangers striker Mark Hateley, now in an ambassadorial role for the club, said that the 30-year-old would be missed if he left.

"I think that would be a blow because he is an important part of the Rangers squad," he said.

"It's a period of rebuilding for Walter and he would like to hold on to key players and I think Daniel comes in to that category.

"He is a top-class striker with loads of experience who can score goals.

"Along with Jean-Claude Darcheville and Kris Boyd, we have three top-class strikers who can all contribute in different ways.

MY SPORT: DEBATE The rumour has been put to bed. The escape clause is for the summer and the price is �3m fifeflyer the ger

"Daniel has proved when he has played this season that he is an exceptional player, he can lead the line very well as he showed in Lyon, where he had a tremendous game.

"He is at an age in his career where he wants to be playing more often than not, that is the problem.

"But if you want to play for a big club who expects to win things then you are going to be part of a big squad of players, which means you have to be patient and, when you get in, you have to do well.

"I think he has done well since he has been here and hopefully he will continue to do well for the short-term.