Rangers have launched an improved second transfer bid for Westerlo right-back Bryan Reynolds after seeing an initial £2.2million opening offer rejected by the Belgian side.
Rangers News can exclusively reveal that the Ibrox club have stepped up their pursuit of the 24-year-old American international, as technical director Dan Purdy looks to hand new manager Derek McInnes an exciting full-back.
However, the Light Blues face stiff competition from Ligue 1 side Rennes, who have also seen a heavy £3.3m proposal knocked back.
Westerlo are playing hardball and holding out for a flat £4.3m (€5m) fee, but with Reynolds entering the final year of his contract, negotiations are progressing behind the scenes.
Which right-back would you prefer at Rangers?
There is a chance that two new right-backs may be signed…
Claudio Reulens confirms Rangers transfer battle for Reynolds
Speaking exclusively to Rangers News, prominent Belgian journalist Claudio Reulens, who broke the story for Voetbal Nieuws, has lifted the lid on the exact numbers involved in the transfer tug-of-war.
“Offers from Rennes and Rangers have been refused”, Reulens told Rangers News, “Westerlo want €5m. There are a lot of teams interested; they already refused €3.8m from Rennes.
“The first [bid from Rangers was] €2.5m, don’t know the other.”
With Rennes having their £3.3m bid knocked back, Rangers’ second offer indicates that Andrew Cavenagh is willing to back McInnes and Purdy with serious financial muscle this summer.
However, the Gers’ second offer is also understood to have been rejected by Westerlo, with all offers from both sides deemed insufficient so far.
A four-man shortlist has been drawn up to replace James Tavernier…
We believe Hampus Skoglund is the ideal candidate. Let us know what you think!
Bryan Reynolds tactical blueprint
With just two goals and three assists to his name in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League last season, Reynolds does not stand out as a like-for-like James Tavernier replacement.
However, standing at 6ft 1in, the USA international has a robust profile, blending blistering pace with an imposing figure.
He created 36 chances in the division last term, thus putting him in the 56th percentile among positional peers in similar leagues.
Reynolds also boasted a 67.7 per cent aerial success rate, offering a hidden tactical solution for a team like Rangers, who have historically struggled to defend the back post against physical domestic opposition.
However, whether that makes the former AS Roma man worth the £4.3m Westerlo are demanding is a decision the Ibrox think tank have to make.
