Besiktas full-back Ridvan Yilmaz will become the first Turkish international since legendary midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu to play for Rangers if he completes a move to Ibrox.
The Gers are expected to complete a move for the 21-year-old left-back who will come into the club to replace the outgoing Calvin Bassey, who has joined Ajax, with Besiktas confirming the negotiations.
Whilst there is some conjecture regarding a fee, the normally reliable Athletic believe that the deal is worth around £4m with a 20% of profit from next sale clause.
Reports in Turkey have claimed that the deal is closer to £5.5m.
You only need to look at the reaction to the imminent transfer from Besiktas supporters to see how highly rated Ridvan Yilmaz is in Turkey and the move represents a significant outlay for Rangers.
Ridvan Yilmaz to follow in footsteps of Tugay at Rangers
If confirmed, as is expected with Yilmaz closing in on the move, the kid will follow in the footsteps of Tugay and become the latest Turkish player to turn out at Ibrox.
Rangers signed legendary former midfielder Tugay from Galatasaray in the January of 2000 and the midfielder impressed in an 18 month stint at Ibrox.
Eventually signed by Graeme Souness at Blackburn Rovers, where the midfielder would play out the remainder of his career across eight seasons, the Turkish playmaker remains a cult figure amongst some in the Gers support.
A legend at Blackburn, it’s amongst the best £1.3m the English outfit have ever spent.
Earning a monumental 94 caps for the Turkish national team, Tugay is not exactly the worst role model for Ridvan Yilmaz to be following at Ibrox.
Ahead of the move to Scotland, Yilmaz has also been giving an emotional interview to the press as he leaves Besiktas following 13 years with the club where he first cut his teeth.
“I am very happy, I am making my dream come true. I had a dream of making money and leaving this club and I made it happen,” said Yilmaz [De Marke Sports].
“Of course, it hurts to leave, but everyone should know that I went to represent the great Besiktas community in Europe in the best way possible.
“I am very emotional. I have been in Besiktas for 13 years. I would like to thank everyone who contributed.”
Meanwhile, Rangers are also set to announce a deal for another flying full-back.
