Rangers have been dealt a major blow in their summer recruitment plans after Italian giants AC Milan swept in to hijack a deal for primary defensive target Sankhoun Diawara.
According to breaking reports from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the Rossoneri have reached an agreement with both Troyes and the 20-year-old French defender.
Only minor administrative details remain to be settled before the transfer is officially sealed, meaning the Gers’ efforts are in vain.
Rangers had made significant progress in negotiations with Troyes for the 6ft 3in defender, with Aouna previously claiming that they had an agreement with the newly promoted Ligue 1 side.
Derek McInnes’ side viewed him as an ideal addition, having been on a desperate hunt for a left-sided centre-half all summer.
How will John Souttar be remembered at Ibrox?
He seems to have played his last game for Rangers…
Why missing out on Diawara hits hard for McInnes
Diawara represented a rare market opportunity: a young, left-footed defender with physical traits, top-tier European upside, and Ligue 2 title-winning experience.
The youngster entering the final year of his contract at Troyes also meant that he would have been available for a cheaper fee than usual, although it remains to be seen how much Milan are paying.
With John Souttar’s departure leaving a gaping hole in central defence and questions surrounding Ben Godfrey’s pre-season fitness, Diawara was earmarked for a key role in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers have already conceded the lead to Cardiff City in the race to sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl from Tromso despite the player publicly admitting his desire to move to Ibrox.
And now, another prime target looks set to move elsewhere after weeks of negotiations.
How Rangers pivot: Parallel negotiations safeguard rebuild
While losing Diawara to a European powerhouse is a bitter pill to swallow, Rangers‘ strategy of running parallel transfer pursuits ensures they are not starting from scratch.
Chris Jack revealed on Thursday that the Gers are actively pursuing an alternative defensive target alongside Diawara.
While the identity of that target remains unknown, the Gers have notably been linked with a move for South Africa international Olwethu Makhanya, who has gone AWOL from Philadelphia Union to force an exit.
The Ibrox outfit have also been linked with moves for Lecce’s Corrie Ndaba and PSV Eindhoven’s Armando Obispo.
Losing a primary target to San Siro highlights the ambitious calibre of player Rangers are scouting under their new recruitment structure.
However, with the league campaign kicking off against Dundee United on 31 July, the Ibrox hierarchy must react swiftly to ensure McInnes gets his backline sorted without delay.
Receive a digest of our best Rangers content each week direct to your mailbox
