Rangers must scout new left-back now with summer pressure on for duo
Rangers should be well underway in their search for a new left-back, with Ridvan Yilmaz the subject of persistent interest from Besiktas.
As matters stand on Yilmaz, the Turkish Super Lig’s efforts to return the 23-year-old to his homeland have so far been unsuccessful, the Gers remaining resolute on their stance he is worth £4.1million.
The Turkish transfer window remains open for another week until 11 February which continues the risk at Ibrox of losing Yilmaz, though Jefte – who was surprisingly linked with Chelsea late in the window (Chris Jack, 28 January) – is highly likely to stay having only arrived last summer.
Both Jefte and Yilmaz appear happy in Philippe Clement’s squad but for various reasons will of course be tempted by the clubs they are being touted to join.
Should the duo end up leaving in the summer, Nils Koppen needs to have a list of realistic left-back targets established and ready to tear into.
Rangers could lose both Jefte and Yilmaz
Jefte is almost certain now to remain in Govan until the end of the season at least; Yilmaz’s immediate future remains up in the air but Rangers are standing firm.
However, the footballing food chain can be ruthless and while Rangers have navigated it well in terms of keeping their best assets in the recent window, the summer could see enforced surgery into the squad.
While at times faltering defensively, Jefte has shown excellent qualities going forward down the left-hand side and looks to be a very coachable athlete of a player.
Yilmaz is more established and is an international footballer, heightening his valuation at Ibrox as a trump card held at the club. They simply cannot lose him on the cheap, and now they would be unable to replace him in any case if he left within the next seven days to Besiktas.
Robbie Fraser, who would have been a third-choice out-and-out left-back, has gone to Livingston on loan and it would also be a huge step up if he were to be entrusted with the role consistently next season.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson backs the Light Blues to offer a bumper new deal to another important defender in Clement’s side.
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