Rangers flop Jose Cifuentes termination agreed, permanent deal scrapped

Rangers and Cruzeiro are set to terminate the loan of Jose Cifuentes at the Brazilian club, according to Diario Celeste.

The publication from Brazil reported [31 July] that an agreement is now in place for Cifuentes to return early from his loan to Ibrox, with another deal lined up with Greek club Aris [Sky Sports, 30 July].

The termination of the 12-month loan from February this year - to run parallel with the Brazilian domestic season - rules out the loan-to-buy option for Cruzeiro, which was reported by BBC Sport [7 February].

No Rangers future expected for Cifuentes

Whilst Cifuentes enjoyed an excellent spell in California with LAFC before joining Rangers, he has been unable to replicate that form in Scotland - and neither in Brazil.

The 25-year-old started just three of his 12 appearances for Cruzeiro so far this season, and the Light Blues appear to be making the decision to recall the Ecuadorian and give him a clean slate elsewhere.

High hopes were held due to Cifuentes' international record and regular football in the United States, but he has not been able to kickstart the latest stint of his career.

Proposed new club Aris are reportedly offering the player a "crazy" weekly wage of £16,000 [Sportime, 27 July] in another loan deal with a purchase option.

It is high time the Gers and Cifuentes cut ties and both pursued new avenues, with Cruzeiro doubtless not too upset to lose him early either.

In other Rangers news, the club are battling Celtic to sign a Manchester United star.

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.