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Double South American deal on course to go through before “final seconds” of deadline
As transfer deadline day comes around at Rangers, Philippe Clement has already pledged the club will be working until the “final seconds” on improving their squad.
After over 30 days of relentless transfer links, journalist questions, and immense speculation, something tells us the Ibrox manager will just be happy to see the frosty mornings of Glasgow in February.
But before that the Belgian has the small matter of transfer deadline day to contend with and Rangers fans are eagerly awaiting updates on that work which is going on behind the scenes.
Here’s the state of play at Ibrox in the final few hours of the window as everyone at the club gets ready for a potentially busy 18 or so hours in Govan.
Two Rangers deals still on course on transfer deadline day
Earlier in the week, the reporting around Rangers looked to suggest that as many as five first-team transfer deals could be concluded before the window closed.
But as we edge closer to the final hours of transfer deadline day, there are only two Rangers deals which have any sense of assurance.
Colombian winger Oscar Cortes underwent a medical at Rangers yesterday ahead of a loan with option-to-buy move from RC Lens.
The 20-year-old is expected to be announced imminently and is currently the only active link doing the rounds in the press.
This comes amid news the club’s pursuit of Fluminense left-back Jefte – who is on loan at APOEL Nicosia – has stalled until the summer due the player’s loan agreement in Cyprus.
This has had a knock-on effect with another proposed Rangers deal, as Galasataray’s interest in Ridvan Yilmaz appears to hit a stand-off and the Turks are linked to alternatives.
The only other deal which looks set to be completed as things stand surrounds Jose Cifuentes, who is close to agreeing a loan switch to Brazilian side Cruzeiro.
Ibrox fans all asking about striker plans
The big question for Rangers fans – and we’ve yet to hear anything in this regard – is whether or not the club will bolster the striker position in the squad.
Cyriel Dessers might finally be finding his feet in Glasgow but with potentially season-ending injuries to Danilo and Kemar Roofe he’s the only pure number 9 currently fit at the club.
Wolves loanee Fabio Silva can also play there but in a season when Rangers need more goals suddenly it’s a position which many believe we might rue failing to strengthen in.
It’s getting a little late to make our move for Hearts talisman Lawrence Shankland and unless something breaks in the coming hours, we’re not exactly sure how the hunt is going to go.
There’s not been a sound about any other potential targets up top, although in fairness to Rangers the club’s transfer business has been expertly sewn up tight even before deadline day rolled around.
So far Rangers have announced two transfers into the club this January, with the aforementioned Silva joining from Wolves and Mohamed Diomande signing from FC Nordsjælland.
The club have also let summer signing Sam Lammers leave the club for FC Utrecht on loan.
