Rangers react to late-night Hamza Igamane bid as sources in France share exit latest
Rangers have been busy in the transfer market as they prepare a squad to fight on all fronts next season.
The Ibrox club have a crucial double header with Panathinaikos coming up in the second round of qualifying for the Champions League.
As the European tie approaches, Russell Martin has been assessing his current squad to see who is fit for the task.
One player who has been heavily linked with the exit door is Hamza Igamane and there has been a significant update in his future.
Rangers respond to Igamane bid ahead of Panathinaikos clash
Martin is yet to taste victory in pre-season, as Rangers drew with Club Brugge and Barnsley before losing 1-0 to The New Saints.
Of course, while the Bears’ boss would have wanted to taste victory, these results are effectively meaningless.
The former Southampton manager will want his best players available to face Panathinaikos in what will be his first competitive European game.
Igamane is a Lille target and while the Ligue 1 club are desperate to land him, they are some way short of Rangers’ valuation.
While the 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms, sources in France claim that Lille tabled a £13million offer, according to the Daily Record (15 July, page 48).
However, the Gers have stuck to their £15million valuation of the player and booted out the late night bid.
Lille are said to feel a deal is stuck at this stage, with the Glasgow club unwilling to lose the forward before their Champions League clash.
Gers right to stick to Igamane valuation
While £13million would go a long way for Rangers, they are right to stick to their £15million valuation of Igamane.
One the face of it, a £2million gap in valuation may not seem like much, but that could essentially help the Bears buy another player.
Now, it seems that Martin will have Igamane available for the Panathinaikos match and he would certainly add quality.
However, there is always a risk of injury, and if the Moroccan knows he is set to leave, then would he fully exert himself?
While the Ibrox club have some key decisions to make, Igamane remains a Rangers player for now.
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