Rangers last-ditch deal for Sam Edozie failed over £1m payment to Southampton
Sam Edozie's prospective loan to Rangers fell through due to Southampton's financial demands over the move, according to the Sun.
The Sun reported on 31 August that Southampton wanted the Gers to pay a £1million loan fee on top of Edozie's £30,000 weekly wages in order to send him north to Ibrox, prior to the deal falling through.
Edozie had reportedly been keen to link up with Philippe Clement's side in an 11th-hour move from the Premier League club, but it wasn't to be despite a deal having reportedly been agreed earlier in the day [David Edgar, 30 August].
Rangers right not to be held to ransom in Sam Edozie transfer
Although Edozie was clearly a player whom Clement thought could have added significant quality to his side this season, the Gers' financial outlay on Deadline Day had already been significant.
The Light Blues having to potentially pay over £2m in loan fee and wages combined for Edozie would have been a huge commitment to make, particularly after spending a reported £3.3m on Nedim Bajrami [Gianluca Di Marzio, 30 August].
Neraysho Kishanwirjo also arrived on a season-long loan of his own, with Scott Wright and Todd Cantwell heading the other way on permanent deals to Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers respectively.
The latter pair's transfers, however, reportedly brought in just £800,000 combined, and with the Gers hardly awash with cash, Southampton's demands for Edozie will certainly have been a step too far.
Clement will be hopeful that the statement addition of Bajrami will make up for his failure to land Edozie, but the last-gasp nature of the Gers' pursuit suggests the that Saints winger was never a top priority.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.