Rangers boss Michael Beale has confirmed to Sky Sports that the Ibrox club are “close” to signing LAFC’s Ecuadorean international midfielder Jose Cifuentes.
The Ibrox side have been strongly linked with a deal for Jose Cifuentes all summer long and now the Rangers boss Michael Beale appears to be closing in on his man.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the club’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in Allan McGregor’s testimonial clash, the Rangers boss suggested he’s excited to add a fresh option to the club’s midfield area.
“I think it’s close,” said Michael Beale. “Hopefully we can get that one over the line.
“He’s a player that I’ve followed for a long time, he’s obviously played very, very well in the MLS, played very well for his national team, and it’s an area of midfield where we’d like to add one more for sure.”
Michael Beale fancies “powerful” Jose Cifuentes
These Michael Beale quotes follow earlier Jose Cifuentes soundbites which originate from the manger’s post-match press conference from the clash with Newcastle.
Whilst the Rangers boss wasn’t so forthcoming to the wider press, Beale did give a greater insight into the type of player that he believes Cifuentes is.
“Cifuentes, again, is a player that we like,” said Beale
“We’re hoping that that one is one that can be moved on.
“I think we need to bring one more midfielder in. He’s powerful, he works the corridor.
“He can play deeper or he can play as an eight and make the box as well but until he’s here, these things can take a twist and a turn.”
Should a deal for Jose Cifuentes go through, the Ecuadorean could potentially be Michael Beale’s eighth signing of the transfer window.
The Rangers manager has already been plenty busy in the transfer market with the club most recently adding the returning Leon Balogun to the squad.
The centre-back joins Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Cyriel Dessers in signing for Rangers this summer.
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