Allsvenskan outfit BK Hacken have dropped in-demand forward Benie Traore amid links to Rangers and newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United.
But the player’s absence didn’t have any major impact on the result as BK Hacken managed a 2-1 victory away to AIK with the Swedish side now second in the national top flight table.
It has perhaps given BK Hacken a glimpse into life without Benie Traore, who has been strongly linked to Rangers as well as a move to the Premier League.
The 20-year-old Ivorian attacker has been on explosive form in Scandinavia this season, netting 15 goals already and reportedly courting interest from Ibrox and Bramall Lane.
According to reports, Benie Traore is viewed as a back-up option for Rangers should moves for Cyriel Dessers – who signed on at Ibrox last week – and Danilo – who’s busy scoring for Feyenoord in pre-season – fall through.
But Rangers’ hesitancy when it comes to the young forward could be about to backfire with Sheffield United reportedly heading the £5m Benie Traore queue.
Benie Traore dropped amid Rangers, Sheffield United links
The player’s absence from BK Hacken’s latest match will only fuel claims that Paul Heckingbottom’s side are closing in on transfer deal for the attacker.
Yorkshire Live have described the Blades’ interest as “genuine” and claimed the club are hoping to strike a £5m deal and open their chequebook for the new campaign.
Rangers, seemingly pre-occupied with other targets, may well be watching on with apprehension given the tender years of Benie Traore.
Yes, the young attacker certainly looks a talent and has been on explosive form in Sweden, but the transfer would also represent a risk.
A fee of £5m would be a substantial outlay for Rangers and if the club spend that sort of money, there is an expectation of an immediate return.
Moves for Cyriel Dessers and Danilo, who have more experience at a higher level than Benie Traore, represent safer shopping options even if the new latest news around the forward will get the club’s fans talking.
