Rangers could be in for a busy final few days of the transfer window with ongoing interest in Lyall Cameron while fending off a potential approach from Chelsea and targeting at least one former player
Less than a week remains of the January transfer window as Rangers look to pull off several shrewd acquisitions.
Despite what has been a muted window, manager Philippe Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen are continuing to work behind the scenes ahead of Monday’s deadline. Their sole addition so far has been centre-back Rafael Fernandes on a loan deal from Lille.
Meanwhile, Alex Lowry has left to join Wycombe Wanderers. Kieran Dowell, Robbie Fraser, Cole McKinnon, Leyton Grant and Kristian Webster have also departed Ibrox on loan. It’s safe to say that more needs to be done if they hope to close the gap on Celtic, who are 10 points ahead in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand. Among Clement’s other squad issues, Fernandes and Robin Propper are the only two first-team centre-backs the Belgian boss has available amid an injury crisis. However, as expected this time of year, there are plenty of transfer links swirling around which could still make this a fruitful month yet for the club.
Lyall Cameron deal agreed
Record Sport exclusively revealed this month Rangers were working on a deal to sign promising youngster Lyall Cameron from Dundee on a free transfer. Cameron’s contract at Dens Park expires in the summer, which means a successful deal would see the 22-year-old midfielder arrive at the end of the season.
While completing his signing likely won’t have an immediate impact, it would no doubt be a shrewd addition, giving the Gers a head start for next season. However, getting him to join may not be straightforward, with the Daily Mail reporting that Aberdeen are attempting to persuade Cameron that a switch to Pittodrie would be better for him in the long term, with the promise of regular first-team football.
Meanwhile, Dundee manager Tony Docherty is still hoping Cameron will sign a new contract, as fellow academy graduate Josh Mulligan is also nearing the end of his term. Docherty stated, “A couple have came back saying they will sign, while others prefer to wait, which is their choice. Lyall is in that category. But I am still hopeful.”
Nathan Patterson returns.
Nathan Patterson made just 13 league games for the Gers before joining Everton for £11.5 million (up to £16 million) in January 2022. He could be leaving Goodison Park after a frustrating three years since the Toffees are looking to sign a new right back.
That comes as a boost to Patterson, whose former Everton boss Sean Dyche insisted was only allowed to leave if a replacement was found. He continues to struggle for playing time, having made only six Premier League appearances this season off the bench.
Reports claim he is open to leaving Everton too as he hunts for more playing time in a bid to capture Steve Clarke’s attention and return to the Scotland set-up. A homecoming at the Ibrox could be the ideal option for the versatile 23-year-old, as playing in an atmosphere he already knows could be important in restoring his form and confidence.
Nikola Katic’s comeback
Nikola Katic, a former Rangers player, has also been linked with a comeback this month. Swiss outlet Watson said Katic, who plays for FC Zurich, has received an offer from Rangers executives as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.
However, Record Sport understands that the player’s representatives are unaware of any Premier League approach at this time. The Bosnian international is ready to leave Zurich, however, and was keen on a return to Glasgow, while sporting director Milos Malenovic admitted the path was clear for the 28-year-old to make his dream move.
However, Zurich manager Ricardo Moniz told Katic that he could find himself in a “difficult situation” if he is left out of matchday squads in order to facilitate a transfer. There have been no offers for Katic, who played at Ibrox from 2018 until 2022.
Jefte’s interest is rejected.
According to reports in Brazil, Premier League giants Chelsea are one of several clubs interested in Jefte. The left-back joined Gers from Fluminense for £700,000 last summer and has been one of the side’s most promising players since his arrival, which would make an exit so soon into his time in Glasgow a huge blow.
Record Sport knows that, so far, there has been no direct communication from Chelsea. But the player’s representation have been in touch with Ibrox chiefs to inform Rangers that Chelsea are leading a slew of suitors from England and Europe, who are now keeping eyes on the left-back as they weigh up a prospective raid.
If Jefte leaves, his former Brazilian employers will earn a 20% portion of the transfer money. The 21-year-old has previously expressed his desire to play in England, but losing him mid-season should not be a serious consideration.
Left wing addition
Clement urgently needs depth at the left wing position. Colombian Oscar Cortes has been plagued by injury this season.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Matondo was on the verge of leaving Rangers this month when his transfer to Coventry City fell through. The 24-year-old former Manchester City starlet has also been linked with Sunderland and Ligue 1 club Nantes, signaling that his time in Scotland is coming to an end.
Perhaps most concerningly, there are presently no major transfer rumours involving a left winger, though Tiago Gouveia refused to rule out a future Rangers move when Benfica closed the door on his departure last summer. Gouveia, who has only played three league games this season, said at the time: “I’m here every day waiting for possibilities. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, which is quite frustrating.”
Former Gers player Ryan Kent, 28, might potentially be available in January. Kent is still a free agent having being released by Fenerbahce in October, and Clement said he was an admirer while at Club Brugge.
