Rangers learn cost of deal for Ibrahima Balde as fresh twist emerges in transfer race

Rangers are looking to sign another striker, and the cost of bringing Ibrahima Balde to Ibrox has been shared.

Derek McInnes has been forced to act in the number nine department with Youssef Chermiti sustaining a long-term ACL injury early in the campaign.

The Bears have been looking to sign Portland Timbers' Kevin Kelsy, who is awaiting a visa to formalise his move to Rangers.

But the Glasgow side are not sitting still should that move run into any hitches and have targeted other options in the market.

Rodez forward Balde is one of those on the shortlist, and he would seemingly be cheaper than Kelsy.

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How much cheaper would Ibrahima Balde be for Rangers over Kevin Kelsy?

Rangers will be hoping to get a few more deals over the line before their window ends on 5 September at 5pm.

One of those that may end up as a Rangers player is Balde.

However, the Gers could see OGC Nice snap up Balde this summer should they fail with their pursuit of Mohamed Amoura, in what would be a transfer twist in the forward's future.

That is according to journalist Sebastien Denis, who also shares that the French forward is valued at around £2.5million by Rodez.

In the article linked, the Footmercato journalist shares that Rangers have only made inquiries over a deal for Balde.

And that he is not the Bears' first choice at this time.

Rangers are set to pay around £9m for Kelsy, who is seemingly the preferred option.

But the G51 outfit have now learned how much it would take if they were forced to pivot to Balde.

How has Balde started the season for Rodez?

Balde is in excellent form in Ligue 2 this season for Rodez already.

In just four appearances, the 23-year-old striker has netted five goals in four games - an average of 1.25 goals per game at the moment.

So the Frenchman is certainly a top finisher, and if the Gers have to pivot, he would not be a bad option, particularly for the price.