Dailly is a very experienced defender

BBC Sport understands Rangers approached West Ham with a view to taking the Scotland defender.

But Smith said: "I think it's premature in the sense that, with Ugo Ehiogu leaving, people are putting two and two together and thinking we need cover.

"Andy Webster and Steven Smith are returning. If we lost anyone we'd maybe look at bringing someone else in."

Central defender Ehiogu has left Rangers to join Sheffield United, having featured just once this season.

David Weir and Carlos Cuellar are the established centre-half pairing at Ibrox, while Sasa Papac and Kirk Broadfoot could also step in, along with the injury-plagued Webster.

Dailly, 34, joined West Ham in 2001, but spent the first part of this season on loan after finding his opportunities limited at Upton Park.

Capped 66 times for his country, he has returned to West Ham following a spell at Southampton.

The defender started his career with Dundee United before switching to Derby County in 1996.

After two seasons with the Rams he moved to Blackburn Rovers in a �5.5m deal.