Rangers transfer blow as teenage ace Erion Zabeli joins Brentford
Rangers have been dealt a transfer blow as their summer target Erion Zabeli has joined Brentford, according to the Daily Mail.
The teenage centre-back, who is part of the Albanian Under-19 set-up, has moved to the Premier League side from Oxford United.
The newspaper noted that the Gers, along with the likes of Leeds United and Southampton, had been wanting to sign the 18-year-old.
“Brentford have seen off competition from Leeds and Southampton to sign highly-rated defender Erion Zabeli from Oxford United,” according to the Daily Mail.
“The 18-year-old centre-back, who was born in London but is part of the Albanian Under-19 set-up, was also a target for Rangers and several European sides.”
Missed opportunity
Rangers manager Michael Beale has been linked with several new faces in recent times, having already strengthened in several areas.
The Scottish giants are in need of reinforcements after losing five players – Allan McGregor, Filip Helander, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos – upon the expiry of their contracts.
They have brought in reinforcements all over in the shape of Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Sam Lammers on permanent deals, with Abdallah Sima arriving on loan from Brighton.
But Beale is seemingly still keen on more additions as the Gers look to challenge fierce rivals Celtic in all competitions next season.
Young defender Zabeli will not, however, be a part of that challenge, with the teenager opting to make the move up to the Premier League to join London outfit Brentford.
Whether or not he moves straight into the first team picture does, however, remain to be seen, with manager Thomas Frank instead perhaps set to rely on new signing Nathan Collins in that area.
In other Rangers news, the Daily Record has shared a Gers update on Luis Palma amid bid speculation.