Everton preference shared as Rangers seek Youssef Chermiti deal
Rangers are desperately seeking out a striker in the final week of the transfer window, and are interested in Everton's Youssef Chermiti.
Chermiti has fallen down the pecking order at Everton, and could now be loaned out to gain experience as they see him as a long-term option.
Hamza Igamane is on his way out of Rangers, and Russell Martin needs another attacker to replace him, but there is not long left to secure an upgrade.
A loan deal could be ideal for Rangers, given that there are other holes in the squad which need addressing, although a deal looks difficult as things stand.
Everton reluctant to loan Youssef Chermiti to club outside of England
Rangers are keen on Chermiti, but they are not the only interested party, and Everton's preference over his future has now emerged.
Africa Foot has now reported that Everton prefer to loan Chermiti within England, in order to allow him to adapt further to English football, and they will prioritise this over interest from La Liga side Elche and Rangers.
- Chermiti is 21 years old, and stands at 1.92 metres as a centre-forward.
- The attacker is yet to score in 24 senior appearances for Everton.
While this not totally rule out a move to Rangers, it does indicate that a lot will have to happen for the Toffees to sanction a deal.
Kevin Thelwell knows Chermiti from his time at Everton, and clearly sees enough in him to push for a move, but Rangers will still need more firepower.
Rangers need more than Youssef Chermiti
Rangers need more attacking firepower, with Cyriel Dessers also linked with an exit, and the team already lacking a clinical finisher upfront.
Martin's side have drawn all three of their games in the Scottish Premiership so far, and the manager is under huge pressure, but there is an argument that any coach would find it difficult to get consistent goals out of the squad in its current shape.
Even if Chermiti signs, Rangers will likely need another centre-forward, and Bojan Miovski has been linked with a move back to Scotland from Girona.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.