How Kevin Kelsy can finally fulfil promise as Rangers see off transfer competition from England

Kevin Kelsy is set to join Rangers from Portland Timbers on a permanent transfer.

The Gers are about to win the race for the Venezuela international, paying an initial fee of around £9million.

It looks like the Light Blues have high hopes for the striker, who is about to become their second-most expensive signing.

Kelsy seems to have been in demand this summer after scoring nine goals in the MLS this season and he's now on his way to Ibrox.

The 22-year-old has shown immense potential as a poacher in America and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to Scottish football.

Derek McInnes has been searching for a replacement for Youssef Chermiti and the Glaswegian outfit have landed on the Venezuelan forward to bolster their attack.

How Rangers must have blown competition out of water for Kevin Kelsy deal

Rangers' significant financial agreement for Kelsy's transfer indicates Andrew Cavenagh's willingness to back McInnes.

It looks like the Gers presented Portland with an offer they couldn't refuse and other interested teams were unable to match.

According to Sky Sports on 26 August, clubs in England and abroad also had their eyes on Kelsy.

The Venezuela international is keen on a move to Ibrox, though, and the Glaswegian outfit are making a big statement with the transfer.

What Ibrox faithful will now want to see from Kevin Kelsy

Rangers already have three fit strikers on their books and are reinforcing the position further with Kelsy's signing.

With Chermiti a long-term absentee, the Venezuela international will be competing with the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski for a place in the starting lineup.

Speaking about Kelsy last year, Portland general manager Ned Grabavoy said, "We are delighted with the acquisition of Kevin and our staff believe he is a player that has huge potential."

It's clear that the Light Blues see similar promise in the striker, which he will be hoping to fulfil in the coming seasons.

If the young attacker can prove himself at Ibrox, he will surely eventually get a move down south to a big club.

For now, McInnes will hope Kelsy can form a prolific partnership with Shankland up top amid the ex-Hearts striker's struggles.