Rangers make transfer decision on exit-linked Ridvan Yilmaz as Borna Barisic set to leave

Rangers have made a decision on the long-term future of Ridvan Yilmaz ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sabah.

The Turkish outlet claimed via their website on 25 March that the Light Blues have decided not to part with the 22-year-old after strong exit links to the likes of Galatasaray in January.

Rangers are set to part with fellow left-back Borna Barisic, who is believed to be close to sealing a deal to move to Trabzonspor at the end of his contract, which appears to have factored into the club's thinking on Yilmaz after the Turk overhauled the Croatian for the starting role this season under Philippe Clement.

Philippe Clement set to keep starting Rangers defender

Yilmaz was starting regularly throughout the winter window even as the manager admitted he could play one day and leave the next.

So his future at the club appeared to be more down to what money he could bring in to fund further business than his actual suitability to play for the Belgian, and the requisite fee never materialised.

The Turkish international may not have been flawless this term but he does now represent an upgrade on the exit-bound Barisic, which he was always intended to be when he arrived from Besiktas two years ago.

Although Rangers are expected to still sign Jefte in the summer after his Ibrox arrival fell through in January amid complications with APOEL Nicosia it would still be somewhat of a risk to part with Yilmaz just as he has finally come good.

The fact that his potential return for the 7 April Old Firm clash with Celtic is such a boost after injury on international duty illustrates his newfound importance in Glasgow and assuming the young Brazilian does come in there is no guarantee he will adapt instantly.

In other Rangers news, a big-money bid for another Light Blues starter is now fully expected at Ibrox.

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