Rangers transfer news: Oscar Cortes debut update shared live on Sky Sports ahead of Livingston clash at Ibrox
Oscar Cortes could makes his Rangers debut against Livingston at the weekend if he gets international clearance, according to Luke Shanley.
The Sky Sports journalist reported live on 1 February, after the youngster’s arrival was confirmed, that he may go straight into Philippe Clement’s squad for the SPFL clash at Ibrox on 3 February.
He joins Fabio Silva and Mohamed Diomande as winter additions to Philippe Clement’s Light Blues squad.
Shanley said: “I can confirm that Rangers have signed Oscar Cortes on loan from Lens in France with an option to buy. The 20-year-old winger has already played for his country Colombia, he was capped back in June against Iraq.
“He is one that will come in to that Rangers team, and subject to international clearance could make his debut against Livingston at Ibrox this weekend.”
Fast start
Considering the injury issues in attack for Clement it would certainly be beneficial if his last reinforcement was available straight away.
If he doesn’t get international clearance in time then the fact that the winger’s deal was only closed so near to the deadline will be a frustration when the move was expected throughout the final week.
Abdallah Sima is set to be missing for the foreseeable future and Cortes has been tabbed to play a key part in filling the gap left by the Brighton loanee.
Rangers have built up some good momentum under their second manager of the season, despite the unwelcome set back against Celtic, so maintaining it is clearly vital.
The squad still looks short of striker options without one arriving during this window, since Danilo and Kemar Roofe are both out long-term on top of Sima.
Pinning hopes of any further silverware this year on the frustrating-but-improving Cyriel Dessers, a couple of young loanees in Cortes and Silva, and some inconsistent or inexperienced other attacking options such as Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland is a gamble.
So if they manage to pull something off it would mean the season proves to be a impressive one in unexpected circumstances.
In other Rangers news, Fabrizio Romano reports that the club have secured another future deal today.
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