Rangers transfer update emerges as Brighton push to sell Steven Alzate
Brighton have tried to convince Rangers to buy Steven Alzate this month but he is not currently a priority at Ibrox, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
The journalist provided the update via Twitter on 5 January to suggest that a move for the Colombian international midfielder, who is currently on loan at Standard Liege in Belgium, may not be on the cards for now.
The 25-year-old has only made one senior appearance for the Seagulls over the past two seasons amid back-to-back loan spells at Standard, but with his contract expiring in the summer they are trying to secure a fee for him now.
Tavolieri wrote: “For Steven Alzate, Brighton tried to convince Rangers FC officials to [buy] him as he’s free in June 2024 but it seems that his profile’s not a priority yet.”
Flogged
Philippe Clement may well be in the market for a new midfielder after the never-ending injury crisis at Ibrox left him down to the bare bones for the Viaplay Cup final triumph over Aberdeen on 17 December.
The return from injury of Kieran Dowell and Nico Raskin, as well as the emergence of Dujon Sterling, has made that less of a pressing concern now though.
So with attacking areas surely the priority during the winter window it is perhaps little surprise that Rangers have not taken Brighton up on their attempts to secure a fee for a player who could be lined up for a free transfer in the summer, with all funds probably needed more up front.
Jose Cifuentes’ struggles since his summer transfer under Michael Beale puts him in the same category as the likes of Sam Lammers as players who the manager is sure to want to upgrade on but will likely need to shift to make space, but in Raskin, Dowell, Sterling and John Lundstram there is arguably enough available.
Were Ryan Jack or Tom Lawrence ever fit there would be an abundance of options, so surely one or two need to leave before more come in.
Alzate has the versatility to fill in various positions, a quality that most managers value, but it doesn’t sound like Clement is desperate to pick him up just yet.
And unless Brighton were willing to factor in a deal to keep Abdallah Sima at Ibrox on a permanent basis then there seems to be little benefit to coughing up unless the manager is certain Alzate could be an asset immediately.
In other Rangers news, a first-team attacker could leave the club this month amid an “urgency” to sign another player according to Sky Sports.