Almeria defender Kaiky Fernandes could be the answer to Rangers’ transfer woes at centre-back.
But if the Ibrox side are serious about the signing the 20-year-old Brazilian this summer, then they’ll need to stump up more money.
At least that’s according to the latest transfer reports coming out of Spain which give a greater degree of clarity over Almeria’s position on Rangers interest in the ex-Santos star.
It comes a few days on from Rangers reportedly having an opening loan-to-buy bid for Kaiky turned down by the Liga Segunda side.
Rangers come up short in Kaiky transfer bid
Trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano was the man who broke news of Rangers interest in Almeria defender Kaiky.
The Brazilian centre-half has been in Spain for two years but has endured a mixed experience between La Liga and Liga Segunda.
Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Alcabete, Almeria’s manager Rubi certainly didn’t rule out the sale of Kaiky as the transfer window bottlenecks.
But if Rangers are serious about landing this potential Ben Davies upgrade, then they’ll need to put forward a more convincing package.
According to Romano, Rangers’ opening offer was an initial €750k (£630k) with an option-to-buy of €7m (£5.9m) inserted into the deal.
But according to Spanish outlet Ideal, this was thrown out by Almeria because it represents only 70% of the fee they paid Santos for the defender two seasons ago.
The suggestion is that Almeria are open to the sale of the defender and that Kaiky will be allowed to join Rangers, but only if the package matches what the Spaniards paid.
That means Rangers would need to commit to potentially paying another €3m (£2.5m) to sign Kaiky come the end of this season.
Bringing the total cost of any transfer to around £9m it’s a fee which will make most Rangers fans baulk.
Almeria defender can solve Rangers centre-back issues
Despite the situation with Kaiky, Rangers are expected to sign a new centre-back before the window closes.
Rangers have already seen experienced former vice-captain Connor Goldson leave the club this summer, whilst the underwhelming Ben Davies followed him out the door this week.
Rangers have added FC Twente captain Robin Pröpper to their backline with Scotland international John Souttar set to be handed a new Gers contract as a reward for his form.
But beyond that the Ibrox defence looks decidedly thin with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun going off with another injury in the thumping victory over Ross County.
AC Milan academy talent Clinton Nsiala is a project player and some way off first-team responsibilities whilst the likes of Leon King is being strongly linked with a loan exit.
Rangers want to bring in a new defender to contend with the hectic schedule of a domestic and continental season and so far Kaiky is the main name doing the rounds.
But if Rangers want the Brazilian, it appears they’ll need to strike a £9m package with Almeria and there are big doubts the Ibrox club has the financial muscle to responsibly do so.
