Blackburn Rovers are likely to face a bidding war with Birmingham City and Newcastle United after Rangers boss Walter Smith confirmed Kris Boyd is leaving Ibrox.

Boyd is out of contract in the summer and will not put pen to paper on an extension.

Smith, who this week signed a new one-year contract himself, told the Daily Record: "Kris is going. There is no doubt about that now. We have never wanted to admit he would leave but we are doing so now.

"We've made him an offer but he's getting much higher offers from other clubs and he is going.

"Kris leaves here with the best wishes of every one of us at Rangers. He has been absolutely terrific for this club and his scoring record is second to none.

"I know people have said I had a problem with Kris because I left him out of a lot of my starting teams but I actually get on very well with him. I must admit I like him and I hope he is a success wherever he goes.

"I'm disappointed we can't offer enough to keep him with us but I really do wish him continued success."