Aris believe that Rangers will ‘soon’ make an official bid for Luis Palma but the Scottish Premiership giants are hoping to secure a knockdown fee for the £4.5 million-rated winger.
One of the worst kept secrets in Scottish football was finally confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime. Ryan Kent, after five years at Ibrox, is following Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Filip Helander and co out the door, his contract expiring at the start of July.
But it seems Rangers may already be hot on the heels of a potentially inspired replacement in Luis Palma; another right-footed left winger with explosive pace and an eye for goal.
With 11 in the Greek Super League – 13 in all competitions – the Honduras international is the joint fourth-highest goalscorer in the top-flight this season, with one pundit describing him as the finest striker of a ball anywhere in the division.
And while there remain rather mixed messages about whether or not Rangers really are interested in a player who also has admirers in France, America, Brazil and Belgium, Greek publication Sport Time are doubling down on claims that Palma is indeed high on Beale’s wishlist.
Is Luis Palma replacing Ryan Kent at Rangers?
Rangers, they say, have been in talks ‘for a long time’ with Aris. The Glasgow giants have not yet submitted an offer, but Aris reportedly believe that one is on the way.
Though if the Yellow-Blacks expect Rangers to meet their £4.5 milling asking price, then they may be disappointed.
The Premiership runners-up are hoping to barter a lower fee. And such an approach is unlikely to go down particularly well with Theodoros Karypidis; Aris’ president reluctant to budge on Palma’s £4.5 million valuation.
Whether a compromise can be reached, only time will tell.
“Well, the truth is that he is having a good season. Luis Palma’s numbers are really brilliant,” says agent Paulo Hernandez.
“He has earned the right to dream of being in a more important team, in a more important league. He has earned that right and he is earning the right to make it come true, without a doubt.
“What we all hope is that Luis will be sold in the transfer market this summer.
“Today, there are teams that are actively asking about his situation. There are more than 10 teams actively asking about the footballer.”
Rangers are also making progress in their pursuit of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes, Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell, Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling and Manchester United loanee Jack Butland.
