Rangers have been handed a clearer run at one of their primary summer targets following a major development involving EFL Championship suitors West Ham United.
The Light Blues have long maintained a strong interest in Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry, with Derek McInnes eager to add dynamic pace, natural width, and directness to his attacking ranks.
While premier competition across Europe is threatening to complicate matters, a new development has shifted the needle slightly in Ibrox‘s favour.
Amario Cozier-Duberry or Mikey Moore – who would you rather have at Rangers next season?
Rangers are interested in the Brighton attacker
West Ham cool Cozier-Duberry interest despite £60m Crysencio Summerville windfall
Speculation surrounding West Ham’s pursuit of the 21-year-old former Arsenal academy star intensified ahead of Crysencio Summerville’s sensational £60million move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
With plenty of capital and a need for wide replacements, it would have made sense for the Hammers to raid Brighton for Cozier-Duberry as a high-upside domestic target.
However, in a fresh update by The Athletic on 24 July, West Ham’s interest in the player has cooled, putting an end to potential bidding wars from East London.
The report implies Brighton’s desire to tie Cozier-Duberry down to a new contract at the Amex Stadium as a reason for the Irons cooling their interest.
While West Ham’s retreat removes a massive obstacle for Rangers, Brighton’s stance proves to be a headache.
Belgian club Anderlecht have already had a proposal worth £5m turned down by the Seagulls, meaning it will not be a cheap deal to do.
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How do you see this one going?
A window of opportunity for Rangers
West Ham cooling their interest gives Rangers a substantial window of opportunity.
While Brighton intend to offer Cozier-Duberry fresh terms, the player may prioritise securing a clear pathway to weekly first-team football, especially after his stellar loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.
If the Andrew Cavenagh-led club can present a compelling pitch centred on starting guarantees and European competition, they have a genuine chance of convincing both Brighton and the winger that a move to Ibrox – whether on a structured permanent transfer or a high-profile loan – is the ideal next step in his progression.
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