Rangers hope for new Abdallah Sima agreement rated as Brighton forward ready to stay

Derek Ferguson is pessimistic over the chance of Abdallah Sima returning to Rangers for next season after his strong campaign on loan.

The Senegalese international scored 16 goals in all competitions despite missing nearly three months with an injury picked up while away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He has indicated more than once that he would personally be happy to remain at Ibrox past the summer, but Ferguson doesn't believe Rangers have the money to convince Brighton to sell when it could cost up to £12million for the 22-year-old.

The former Ibrox midfielder would be glad if he returned, having "showed his worth" last term, but feels the cost would be prohibitive.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: "No I don't think we're going to get him. We've not got the money. I don't think we've got £10m-£12m to spend. 

"He showed his worth when he came on for [Cyriel] Dessers in that cup final, it was like night and day between the two of them and he's not an actual centre-forward he's a wide player.

"But he was a hell of a lot better than Dessers."

Could Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers again be Rangers teammates?

If a permanent deal is the only available option for Sima to return to Philippe Clement's squad then the price could be too much of a stretch when so much other business needs doing this summer.

The Seagulls man has still never played for the Premier League side, and if they don't feel he is ready yet once they appoint a successor to Roberto De Zerbi then perhaps another loan agreement could be reached.

Sima himself has indicated that if a deal can be worked out at club level then he and his family are happy to remain in Glasgow, but the matter is largely out of his hands.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues will start exit transfer negotiations at £10million.

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.