Rangers were already facing competition from Leeds United for Jose Cifuentes, and now it seems that Michael Beale’s side will have to fight off Brighton and Hove Albion as well.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said on the Here We Go Podcast that Rangers and Brighton are competing for the signature of Los Angeles FC midfielder Cifuentes.
This comes just days after MLS reporter Tom Bogert claimed that Premier League club Leeds are keen on the 24-year-old Ecuador international midfielder, described as “terrific” by South American football expert Tim Vickery.
Rangers face Brighton competition for Jose Cifuentes
Romano said, as transcribed by IbroxNews: “Also I wanted to mention Jose Cifuentes. This midfielder playing for LAFC out of contract in December, from what I understand, in the summer, he has a chance to leave because European clubs want him.
“Brighton have been tracking him in the last few months. But also Rangers want him. So keep an eye on Cifuentes.”
Verdict: Summer transfer unlikely
In our view, Rangers are unlikely to be able sign Jose Cifuentes in the summer transfer window ahead of Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Okay, Leeds could end up getting relegated to the Championship at the end of the season, but they would still be a very appealing club and could be able to afford a decent transfer fee for the Ecuador international.
Brighton are an established club in the Premier League who could play in Europe next season.
And we all know how good the Seagulls are in developing players and then moving them on to bigger clubs.
Cifuentes could be tempted to play in the Premier League with Brighton and then join an elite club in the future.
