Central Fluminense reports that Chelsea has begun discussions to sign Rangers full-back Jefte.
According to the Brazilian newspaper [27 January], the Premier League club is interested in the 21-year-old Brazilian, but no agreement has been made between the two parties.
It is thought that if a deal cannot be concluded by February 3, the Blues are willing to reopen negotiations with the Gers once the summer transfer market opens.
Rangers defensive standout receives interest from the Premier League
With Jefte only recently joining Ibrox and fellow left-back Ridvan Yilmaz being widely linked with a move to Turkey, it is difficult to envisage a transaction being completed before the winter window closes.
Philippe Clement has already been without many key defenders this season, with James Tavernier, Leon Balogun, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all undergoing treatment.
While Lille’s Rafael Fernandes has joined the squad on a six-month loan, losing Jefte so close to the transfer window’s closing date could be harmful to the Gers’ 2024/25 season.
Despite falling far behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table, the Light Blues are still participating in the Europa League and the Scottish Cup, and they could end the season with a trophy.
Jefte has been an important member of the squad since arriving in Glasgow, making 34 appearances in all competitions and introducing a new dynamism to the attack from defence.
The young Brazilian has been tremendously praised since putting on a Rangers shirt, quickly earning the trust of Clement despite a rocky start to life at Ibrox.
It is difficult to see a world in which Clement sanctions an exit for his star full-back just six months after signing from Fluminense last summer.
However, the draw of playing for a Premier League club such as Chelsea could be too much for the player to turn down, especially if the Blues are willing to pay a handsome fee.
