Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement will need to be glued to their phones over the next two days as Rangers look to beat the transfer deadline.
The manager still has areas of his squad that need to be strengthened and, with the impending departure of Todd Cantwell, Sassuolo’s Nedim Bajrami has been identified as the man to replace the outgoing playmaker.
Scorer of two stunning goals in the European Championships for Albania, the 25-year old is the subject of a loan to buy offer that has already been considered by the Serie B outfit.
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According to Tutto Mercato Web journalist Antonio Parrotto, Sassuolo have knocked back Rangers approach for one reason:
“Glasgow Rangers on Sassuolo’s Nedim Bajrami, who was on the bench yesterday in Bari. According to what has been learned, however, the Neroverdi have rejected the offer for a loan with an option to buy because they do not want to sell the player.”
This is a claim that has been backed up by Heart and Hand’s David Edgar who, in response to a fan questioning the claim, confirmed that a one season loan deal might be the only way forward:
“I think they (Sassuolo) would prefer just a straight loan so they have option of him if they get promoted.”
Rangers have probably had their eye on Bajrami all summer, however, with Todd Cantwell only just agreeing to leave and Ianis Hagi performing an about turn, there has been no space on the wage bill for a number 10.
Now though, it is a desperate need to get one in.
The one-in, one-out policy since replacing the players who left at the end of their contracts has been a source of huge frustration to the Gers boss when asked if he had to sell players before he could bring new ones in:
“That’s the reality,” he confessed when asked about any more incomings.
“That’s the reality that the board told me a few months ago. I know this, the recruitment team knows this also.
“This is the reality of the club. I had other expectations when I came in in October, I have to say. But I know the reality now. I am very motivated to build the club and help in that.”
Time is not on Rangers side and it may be that they make the initial concession to get their man through the doors at Ibrox and onto the Auchenhowie training pitches.
The rebuild was never going to be completed in just one summer and now quality for this season takes precedence over the long term.
There is a good core of young players already in place, now Clement needs proven players who he knows can deliver, regardless of how long they might be at Rangers for.
