Ligue 1 side St Etienne have pulled out of the chase for Rangers-linked Nimes playmaker Zinedine Ferhat.
The Gers were linked with a move for the Algerian international at the beginning of the window but so far there has been little official movement from Ibrox.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TOAlWPYrwM
St Etienne were one of the initial clubs mentioned alongside Ferhat, with Serie A Sassoulo and Rangers making up a reported three-horse race [Foot Mercato].
But St Etienne are now reportedly “exploring alternatives” as they look to cut costs with relegated French side Nimes slapping a bumper price tag on the attacking midfielder.
That’s according to a report in the Daily Record – attributed to Hommed – which claims the club will now be looking to sign free agents.
This news comes after reports suggested that Marseille are in advanced negotiations with the player with Ligue 2 Nimes demanding €5m (£4.3m) [Le10 Sport].
Ferhat played out on the right for Nimes last season and was a rare bright light in an otherwise disappointing campaign which ended with the club’s Ligue 1 relegation.
The attacking midfielder scored six goals and provided nine assists for Les Crocos last season.
However, it’s also worth noting that Rangers appear to have turned their attentions elsewhere in the transfer window.
The Gers have reportedly launched a £7m move for Heerenveen midfielder and Dutch playmaker Joey Veerman [Glasgow Times].
But considering Ferhat played off the right last season, could he fill one of two spare slots in the squad thrown up by our squad analysis?
