Rangers have once again been mentioned alongside Romanian playmaker Darius Olaru ahead of the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old Romanian international is the current captain of Steaua Bucharest but was not part of the team who were beaten 4-0 by Rangers in the Europa League at Ibrox.
Darius Olaru has been the subject of repeated links to Rangers throughout his career and his name has once again popped up ahead of the January transfer window.
It comes with controversial FCSB owner Gigi Becali confirming that Olaru has refused a wage increase in his contract due to issues surrounding an established release clause.
Darius Olaru once again linked to Rangers
Whilst Rangers links to Darius Olaru have never been too far away from the headlines, the Romanian’s name is once again swirling around the Ibrox side.
That’s because journalist Pete O’Rourke was talking about the FCSB captain on the Football Insider Inside Track podcast over the weekend.
Whilst O’Rourke discussed both the situations of Olaru and Rangers, the journalist also gave his verdict on a deal by suggesting the transfer is ‘highly unlikely’.
“He looks a good player” said O’Rourke when asked about Rangers links to Olaru.
“He’s got a good goalscoring record from midfield and that’s probably something Rangers have been missing this season, maybe not enough goals from the midfield area.
“I think the deal is very difficult to do in January. He’s on a long-term contract until 2028 so (FCSB) want a decent fee for him if they were to sell him.”
After referencing Rangers’ recent financial results, O’Rourke added: “(Olaru) might be on Rangers’ list as a potential target.
“But I just think with everything that’s going on there financially and on the pitch as well, it’s a deal that’s probably very highly unlikely.”
The links were then picked up by Heart & Hand host David Edgar, who referenced them on the fan media platform’s Daily Update (13/11/24).
Rangers News has confirmed with Romanian sources that there is nothing significant to update with regards Darius Olaru’s situation.
Rangers can activate Romanian’s release clause
Rangers chairman John Gilligan has confirmed transfer funds will be available for Philippe Clement come January should the manager need them.
Rangers director of recruitment Nils Koppen has also been talking about transfers, confirming that certain areas of concern have been ‘identified’ in recent weeks.
It is all pointing to a busy January and Darius Olaru is a name which will excite Rangers fans; but just how much would the Romanian cost the Ibrox side?
Speaking to Digi Sport at the start of October, Gigi Becali confirmed that Darius Olaru was not open to negotiating a salary increase at Steaua Bucharest despite having four years left on his contract.
It comes with the Romanian international having a €5m (£4.2m) release clause in his current contract which clubs, including Rangers, are free to activate this January.
“If he doesn’t (accept a salary increase), it’s because he doesn’t want to, right?” said the FCSB owner. “Olaru has four years left on his contract.
“He has four years left but if I extend his contract, I also increase his clause and he doesn’t want it. He has a clause of €5m (£4.2m).”
