Rangers interest in Dimitrios Kourbelis appears to be dead in the water after recent reports confirming contract offers for the Panathanaikos captain.
The 29-year old Greece international was said to be the subject of interest in January and, being abailable on a pre-contract agreement, seemed like a good bit of business.
Rangers though, according to Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopolous haven’t offered terms to Dimitrios Kourbelis and he now has a straight choice between staying where he is or moving to Turkey.
The terms offered by both Panathanaikos and Trabzonspor are well within Rangers price range, however, it would appear as if Michael Beale has moved on to other targets.
Jose Cifuentes looks like he is the obvious preferred signing even though he is slightly different stylisitically.
Kourbelis is an out and out enforcer whereas the LAFC midfielder is more similar to Nicolas Raskin in that he likes to drive forward in possession too.
Rangers need for Dimitrios Kourbelis lessened in recent weeks
What has also become apparent in recent weeks in that John Lundstram has gone from a player who many expected to leave this summer to a player who might even be offered a new deal.
The departure of several experienced players means that the scouser’s role in the leadership group is even more important.
Behind James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, Lundstram is Beale’s go to man on the pitch.
In fairness, since being paired with Raskin and Todd Cantwell in midfield, Lundstram has looked a lot better and has shown signs of a return to form.
Fitness struggles for most of the season have clearly impacted him and a summer operation to clear out his ankle wouldn’t be a surprise.
Dimitrios Kourbelis would have been a shrewd signing for Rangers but, it looks like he won’t be heading to Ibrox any time soon.
