The countdown has been ticking on Jose Cifuentes’s move to Rangers for what seems like an eternity, however, the latest report suggests that a deal could be imminent.
Reports from the States and in Ecuador suggest that there will be no last minute hitches and that only a fee – said to be between £750k and £1.5m – needs to be agreed between the two sides for an immediate move.
The good news is, according to The 4th Official, Jose Cifuentes seems determined to become a Rangers player.
Michael Beale has reportedly agreed terms with the player and worked his magic in persuading him that the SPFL can be a stepping stone to brighter lights.
In process, Rangers are getting a bargain.
A player valued at between £4-6million according to agent and South American football expert Simon Edwards.
This also corresponds with reports last summer of Premier League interest for £6m.
How close is Jose Cifuentes in becoming a Rangers player?
Writing on Patreon, The 4th Official is confident that a deal will be struck soon:
“It has been a long wait since I first wrote this story (once again massive props to Fabrizio Romano for crediting me on the story on Twitter after pointing me in the right direction).
“But Rangers have essentially agreed terms with Jose Cifuentes.
“Now, they can sign him on a pre-contract deal pretty soon but Rangers have made a bid to LAFC for the player.
“It’s not at all a huge amount given he has just 6 months left in his contract.
“The hope is that LAFC knows that Cifuentes wants to move to Rangers and rather than keep an unwilling player, they will let him go.
“Cifuentes is a major player for LAFC but the options are limited for the American club and smart money would be on them coming to an agreement soon with Rangers.”
Is it the 1st of July yet?
The date that seems to be the sticking point when Jose Cifuentes can officially speak to Rangers about a pre-contract agreement despite terms already being agreed.
Rangers seem to be trying to get a deal done before that point though using the fact that the 24-year old is so keen to move as a negotiation tactic.
Michael Beale will be wanting a key component to his new look team in as quickly as possible so, agreeing a fee should be a matter of urgency, pre-season training isn’t far away.
Now that international football is over, the next week, before the players return to Auchenhowie, should be an interesting one.
