Rangers should be well underway in their quest for a new left-back, with Besiktas showing continuous interest in Ridvan Yilmaz.
As it stands, the Turkish Super Lig’s efforts to return the 23-year-old to his birthplace have been futile, with the Gers maintaining steadfast in their belief that he is worth £4.1 million.
The Turkish transfer window remains open for another week until 11 February, increasing the risk of Yilmaz leaving Ibrox, though Jefte, who was surprisingly linked with Chelsea late in the window (Chris Jack, 28 January), is highly likely to stay after only arriving last summer.
Both Jefte and Yilmaz look to be content in Philippe Clement’s squad, but for a variety of reasons, they will undoubtedly be tempted by the clubs to whom they are linked.
Should the two leave in the summer, Nils Koppen must have a list of realistic left-back targets ready to go.
The Rangers could lose both Jefte and Yilmaz.
Jefte is probably expected to stay in Govan until at least the end of the season; Yilmaz’s immediate future is uncertain, but Rangers remain steadfast.
However, the football food chain can be cruel, and while Rangers have done well in terms of retaining their greatest assets in the previous window, the summer may see forced surgery on the team.
While Jefte has struggled defensively at times, he has demonstrated outstanding offensive abilities down the left side and appears to be a very coachable athlete.
Yilmaz is more established and is an international footballer, heightening his valuation at Ibrox as a trump card held at the club. They simply cannot lose him on the cheap, and now they would be unable to replace him in any case if he left within the next seven days to Besiktas.
Robbie Fraser, who would have been a third-choice out-and-out left-back, has gone to Livingston on loan and it would also be a huge step up if he were to be entrusted with the role consistently next season.
