Rangers talks underway over double attacker deal as Philippe Clement decides on Oscar Cortes
Rangers are pursuing deals to bring loan duo Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes back to Ibrox next season, according to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack.
In what their report [24 May] describes as an anticipated “hectic summer of wheeling and dealing” for Philippe Clement, the club are reportedly in dialogue with Brighton & Hove Albion for the return of Sima, who hit 11 league goals in just 17 starts this season.
Negotiations likewise continue with Lens for Cortes, who made six appearances throughout February before being struck down with injury – it’s unclear whether the move would be permanent or a loan as doubts arose on the player’s buy option due to the fitness issue.
The report noted: “The moves for [Jose] Cordoba and Jefte will kick-off a hectic summer of wheeling and dealing for Clement.
“Rangers remain in discussions with Brighton and Hove Albion over another deal for Abdallah Sima, while Clement is also eager to retain winger Oscar Cortes.”
Colombia forward Cortes added: “Me and my agents are keeping tabs on the negotiations that are taking place. We will see what happens. I’m talking to my agents and also to Lens and Rangers. Let’s see what happens. I am waiting.”
Rangers in squad overhaul operation
Whilst it’s very much a case of out with the old and in with the new in certain areas among the Rangers squad, the returns of Sima and Cortes are high on Clement’s list of priorities after the weekend’s Old Firm Scottish Cup final.
The pair, 22 and 20 respectively, embodied tenacity and fearlessness whilst fit and firing at Ibrox and that’s exactly what wasn’t seen in high enough regard over recent weeks, allowing Celtic to pull clear to a third title on the spin.
Plans to tie the duo down to permanent contracts were mooted weeks ago, even whilst they were both on the treatment table.
Cortes was for all intents and purposes primarily signed to replace Sima, but the club have evidently seen enough to predict they can both contribute to success next term.
With Fabio Silva having struggled and set to return to Wolves, the jury still out in some quarters over Cyriel Dessers’ chance conversion despite 22 league goals, and frustration at Todd Cantwell’s attitude, the two youngsters may just fill the void to capture the hearts of Gers fans next campaign.
In other Rangers news, the club are about to sign the “new James Tavernier”.
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