The Gers play the Major League Soccer club in a friendly in the USA on May 23.

And Smith wants to have a lasting relationship with the Californian outfit, which Real Madrid midfielder Beckham will join this summer in a five-year deal worth a reported £128million.

Smith told the Scottish Daily Express: "LA Galaxy are the biggest outfit in the States and, with Beckham already signed for them, they will attract the cream of American kids who want to play alongside a superstar.

"We will be holding talks with their officials with a view to setting up an exchange scheme that can help develop players on both sides of the Atlantic.

"When I was Scotland manager, I spoke to then USA coach Bruce Arena at Hampden and he felt the best ever crop of American players was just about to break through.

"A club like Rangers can't afford to ignore such a vast pool of talent and I can't think of a better club over there to have close ties with than LA Galaxy.

"We would be prepared to have their players and coaches at Murray Park for a few months at a time and vice versa.

"I don't foresee any problems and it's something I'm very keen on.

"There are no regulatory issues with younger players coming over and, while you need a work permit for those you want to sign at professional level, you often find American lads have European links and even have passports for EC countries."

LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas feels exchange schemes can help his club grow.

The former USA defender said: "If there was a chance for players to move between Glasgow and the US, for example, it could be beneficial for both clubs.

"Establishing connections is important for us and Rangers come into that.

"For us, it is a chance to tap into their history and expertise."