Jose Cifuentes has struggled since his move to Scotland (image: Imago)

Rangers transfer news: Jose Cifuentes in advanced talks for Ibrox exit after rival move collapses

Tue 30 January 2024 8:10, UK Updated Thu 1 February 2024 15:57, UK

Jose Cifuentes is now in advanced talks to leave Rangers for Cruzeiro before the end of the January transfer window, according to Cesar Luis Merlo.

The South American journalist reported his story for Mr Offsider via Twitter in the early hours of 30 January that the Ibrox midfielder now appears to be headed to the Brazilian side.

A loan-to-buy bid had previously been accepted for the 24-year-old to move to Rizespor in Turkey, but Cifuentes was not convinced.

But according to Merlo, following that failed move, the Ecuadorian’s next destination now looks to be Cruzeiro.

Alternative

If Cifuentes is more well disposed to this move than the Rizespor one then it will be a frustration for the Turkish side but a positive development for Rangers that another option has been found so quickly.

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Following his summer move from LAFC he has struggled to establish himself in Glasgow, especially since Philippe Clement replaced Michael Beale.

With Mohamed Diomande coming in as an expensive midseason acquisition Cifuentes’ opportunities are likely to only get more infrequent from here.

So if he has an opportunity to play regularly elsewhere and the Gers can cut their losses on a move which proved to be a mistake then it is the least bad option all-round.

The potential permanent fee attached if he had gone to Turkey (£2illionm) would have actually seen Rangers make money on his half-season at Ibrox [£1.2m – Sky Sports, 4 August], so dependent on the terms of Cruzeiro deal they may be able to do more than cut their losses.

🚨José Cifuentes tiene negociaciones avanzadas para llegar a Cruzeiro.
*️⃣Después de su frustrado pase a Turquía, el equipo de Belo Horizonte se perfila como su destino.
ℹ️ Junto a @NickyMariduenaE para @MrOFFSIDER pic.twitter.com/cxkljfbuR9
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) January 30, 2024

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The end of the transfer window is expected to be busy, and it looks like with two South Americans on their way in one incumbent at the club is set to move in the opposite direction.

In other Rangers news, a club has been handed “more money to spend” in their attempt to sign another Ibrox ace.

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