John Bennett must cough up cash for Rangers to sign Jose Cifuentes after transfer twist
Rangers should move quickly to ensure that the transfer of Jose Cifuentes is completed as soon as possible, including the fee required to prise him from Los Angeles FC, immediately.
In recent days, it has been reported that the player is keen to make the switch to Ibrox despite late interest emerging from the Premier League. It would be a shame if the bid was usurped at this late stage, highlighting that it’s not confirmed until it is actually confirmed.
Cifuentes is currently with the Ecuador national team, ahead of friendly games in the coming days against Bolivia and Costa Rica, and John Bennett must cough up the cash.
The prospect of Champions League football is said to be a strong factor in swapping California for the Copland Road, whilst the player will be aware that in Scotland, he will be performing in the shop window for the Premier League.
His contract runs out at the end of the MLS season later this year, but the deal is set to be confirmed as soon as possible.
Rangers boss Michael Beale wants the player in for the start of pre-season and a relatively small fee will be required to make it happen. If, as suggested, it is around £1.5million that LAFC are looking for, Ibrox chiefs need to negotiate to come to an agreement.
This is a signing that can’t be missed.
Rangers are in need of a strong, forceful midfield operator and the Ecuadorian has been earmarked to come in and provide that skill set.
He would be a key component in the bid to challenge for the league title once again and therefore an important signing for Beale.
It would be his first taste of British and European football but there is enough about Cifuentes’ pedigree, including World Cup experience, to suggest that he has what it takes to make the grade.
Hopefully, he can arrive in Glasgow with the deal signed, sealed and delivered, after the international break.
In other Rangers news, another Ibrox veteran is considered almost certain to leave this summer now amid a clear verdict of “he’s away”.