Rangers transfer for Josh Maja opens up as Bordeaux blow their chance
Rangers are understood to have an interest in Bordeaux striker Josh Maja and the prospects of the player leaving the French club have increased as they look set to remain in Ligue 2.
Bordeaux have been in contention for promotion for several months but with just one game of the season remaining, they are in third place after losing to Annecy last weekend with Football Scotland sharing links with the Bears this month.
They appear to have blown their chance with table-toppers Le Havre three points better off going into the final game whilst their promotion rival, Metz, are in second place on the same amount of points but with a positive goal difference of four.
Crucially, the former Sunderland striker is out of contract at the end of the season with the Matmut Atlantique-based club said to have the option of a one-year extension if they are promoted to Ligue 1.
Rangers have been linked with the striker as far back as July 2020, whilst Michael Beale stated earlier this season that he has a striker target in mind but the situation would develop at the end of the campaign.
That appears to apply to Maja, but there is no confirmation at this stage if he is a definite target for Rangers.
The 24-year-old has the qualities that would make him an attractive option for the Gers boss and with 16 goals and six assists from 37 appearances this season, he is undoubtedly in decent form.
Whilst the likes of Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Auston Trusty and Jose Cifuentes have been linked to varying extents, the only confirmed arrival so far is that of Kieran Dowell.
Luis Palma speculation has also filled plenty of column inches but there is a real anticipation and expectation on the attacking players that will arrive at Ibrox as part of the rebuild.
If Beale is to restore Rangers to the top of Scottish football, serious firepower is required. Acquiring such quality players usually means spending significant money and that should happen, too.
Whilst gems like Todd Cantwell are there to be found, and free transfers need to be maximised, the club needs to be performing smart business and that means buying top players, with the relative budget available.
Maja isn’t a new name but he is a player that will add goals to a team and squad that needs to increase its numbers.
This is a storyline to watch out for.
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox announcement shows that one player is set for a promotion under Michael Beale.