Rangers transfer looks ‘certain’ in January window updates on Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz at Ibrox
Jefte looks “certain” to become another Rangers winter signing but Ridvan Yilmaz isn’t necessarily going to leave as a result, according to Football Scotland.
The outlet reported via their website on 28 January that the Brazilian full-back is “close” to a deal to join the Light Blues before the transfer deadline.
But while that would mean Philippe Clement finally lands a left-back this month after widespread links to a series of targets the incumbent at the position most heavily linked with a move away could still stay.
Yilmaz was thought to be close to a move to Hellas Verona earlier in the window, but has since rejected the chance to move to the Italian side, while Galatasaray have since emerged as the prime suitors for the 22-year-old Football Scotland claim Rangers still haven’t received any official bids despite “serious” interest from the Turkish giants.
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If Jefte, 20, arrives from Fluminense after a loan at APOEL in Cyprus at the same time as Yilmaz remaining it would suddenly give Rangers an abundance of options at what has been a problem position for a while.
Borna Barisic’s long-term future is in doubt at Ibrox, but for the rest of the season he remains in the equation, and Dujon Sterling can be used in an emergency as well.
Yilmaz looked like his chance to push for the regular starting position had gone when Michael Beale bizarrely excluded him from the Europa League squad earlier in the season, leaving Clement short-handed once he took over.
And yet Rangers qualified as group winners on the continent and the former Besiktas defender has established himself under the Belgian manager.
His move to the fore has coincided with the transfer window and genuine possibilities to leave, but his recent form has surely strengthened Clement and the Gers’ resolve to hold out for what they believe he is worth.
As long as Rangers can afford it a future with Yilmaz finally confirmed as the number one and an exciting Jefte developing behind him would seem like a decent picture next season.
But Barisic looked to be on the outs before only to end up back on top of the pile so a few questions still need to be answered first.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are also “poised” to sign another player before the transfer window shuts.
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