Fan favourite Vaclav Hladky has admitted this season will be his last as a Saint.
The talented Czech keeper has been in sensational form since signing for St Mirren in January and was the subject of a £200,000 bid from Azerbaijani champions Qarabag in the summer.
And while Rangers are interested in the Saints stopper, he looks set to snub a potential move to Ibrox for a long-term crack at the English Premier League – via the Championship.
He said: “This will be my last season with St Mirren.
“Negotiations with the club took place over the summer and autumn about a new contract. But we have agreed that my football goals are a little higher than here.
“Rangers are interested in me and some negotiations are under way. But playing in England is the big dream. The biggest dream is to play in the Premier League but that is a big jump.
“I know I will need to make another step first on the way.
“I’m not crazy enough to think I can go from St Mirren directly to the English top division. Going to the Championship would be ideal for me. That is preferable to staying in Scotland.
“I have felt great at this club from the first day with all the support they have given me. I am very happy here for now.”
