Rangers attempt to sign Marcello De Barros revealed after St Mirren drama

Rangers once again splashed the cash in the summer transfer window.

Andrew Cavenagh promised to back Derek McInnes, and he did just that after sealing his appointment.

Double figures arrived at Ibrox for the second summer running, but that can't happen every year without success.

Thankfully, things are starting to click.

Rangers 1-0 win over St Mirren on Wednesday made it four in a row for McInnes, who now goes into two Old Firm derbies.

But, the last-gasp victory wasn't the only interesting reveal, with Marcello De Barros coming off the bench.

Why does Marcello De Barros mean anything for Rangers?

At just 15-years-old, De Barros made his Scottish Premiership debut against Rangers, making several headlines.

It didn't end the way he wanted when Bojan Miovski lobbed the winner, but it's a moment he'll never forget, especially at Ibrox.

But, it's now been revealed that he could have been called it home.

RFC Youths has reported on X that Rangers actually tried to sign De Barros, not sharing exactly when that happened.

The trusted online academy source is followed by official Rangers partners like Four Lads and Heart & Hand, as well as Chris Jack.

It's said that De Barros turned down the chance to sign in favour of staying with St Mirren.

Will Rangers try again for Marcellos De Barros?

On one hand, the evidence suggests that he was right to turn down the opportunity at this stage of his career.

There was no chance of him making his league debut at 15, especially in the pressure cooker of Ibrox.

McInnes doesn't have the luxury of handing out minutes to academy talents right now, with millions spent and silverware needed.

The closest to that is Findlay Curtis.

Coming on at left-back after Miovski scored, Rangers fans will certainly be watching De Barros' career much closer after this attempt to sign him.

With James Penrice and Tuur Rommens senior options in that role, and Ashton Scally coming through the ranks very highly rated, this probably won't be one that gets revisited.

That's at least for now.