Rangers star Ridvan Yilmaz has been linked with Serie A side Verona – as left-back rival Josh Doig is linked with a switch to Glasgow.
The Turkish international left-back, 22, is coming off the back of what Philippe Clement described as his “best performance” to date in the win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Named Man of the Match in the game, Ridvan built on a solid showing at Celtic Park with Rangers linked to several left-backs heading into the January window.
With Borna Barisic out of action with injury, it’s been an impressive run of games for the former Besiktas left-back but reports are now suggesting Italy could be calling.
Ridvan Yilmaz wanted by Verona
According to reputable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Serie A side Verona are interested in Rangers star Ridvan Yilmaz.
In an excerpt on his official website, Di Marzio explains that Verona are looking at Ridvan Yilmaz with left-back Koray Gunter in advanced negotiations to join Como.
“Verona very active, with incoming and outgoing negotiations, in these first hours of the January transfer market,” said Di Marzio. “The yellow and blues have targeted Ridvan Yilmaz, a Turkish left back born in 2001 owned by Glascow Rangers.
“For him, 13 appearances and 1 goal between the championship and the national cup this season. On the other hand, Gunter is leaving : the defender born in 1994 is a target for Como and the negotiation is at a very advanced stage.”
Rangers set to shake up left-back berth
The links come at an interesting time for Rangers and Yilmaz, the Turkish international strongly linked with a return to Turkey in recent weeks.
Ibrox stalwart Borna Barisic is also out of contract at the end of the season and as things stand it is not clear if he will be offered a new deal.
Rangers have also been strongly linked to a series of new left-back options, including £5.2m-rated Scotland and Verona talent Josh Doig.
Ironically, Ridvan’s stuttering 18 months in Glasgow have always led to comparisons with Doig, who moved to Italy in the same window as the Turkish talent moved to Glasgow.
This will certainly add an extra dimension to those Verona links to Ridvan Yilmaz, with a potential swap likely to be the talk of the Steamie if not reported anywhere as things stand.
Gianluca Di Marzio is generally considered a solid source on transfer stories in Italy so the situation is certainly one to watch.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement was also speaking about his squad’s January transfer plans after the match with Kilmarnock and claims he will be “very active” in the weeks ahead.
Rangers paid an initial £3.4m to sign Ridvan Yilmaz from Besiktas and the left-back has made 28 appearances for the Ibrox club.
