Reported Colombian Rangers target Santiago Moreno is set for a move to the MLS with two major clubs from the USA battling for the winger.
According to reports coming out of Colombia, both Atlanta United and the Portland Timbers are vying to sign the pacey right-winger.
Santiago Moreno a la MLS: entre Atlanta United y Portland Timbers está el futuro del joven (21) delantero colombiano perteneciente al América de Cali.
— Diego Rueda (@diegonoticia) July 19, 2021
Journalist Diego Rudea claims:
“Santiago Moreno to MLS: between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers is the future of the young (21) Colombian striker belonging to América de Cali.”
Me informan que el Portland Timbers (MLS) sería la nueva casa de Santiago Moreno jugador del America. Esperamos que el @AmericadeCali oficialmente anuncie que va a pasar
— Francisco J. Velez (@Pachovelez10) July 19, 2021
Fellow Colombian sports journalist Francisco J. Velez would then suggest that Portland Timbers have stolen a march on their transfer rivals.
“They inform me that the Portland Timbers (MLS) would be the new home of Santiago Moreno, America’s player. We hope that the @AmericadeCali officially announce what’s going to happen.”
Amid reports the bids are between £2.1m ($3m) and £2.9m ($4m) the player has also been dropped from the America de Cali side with manager Juan Carlos Osorio suggesting his head had been turned.
The Colombian side will be without the player for their Copa Sudamericana clash with Brazilian side Club Athletico Paranaense because “he is considering leaving”.
Osorio claimed it would be “very unfortunate” if Moreno was leave for the MLS but did appear to confirm the presence of bids [Futbolete].
The Gers have been extensively linked to the 21-year-old America de Cali star all summer with Football Insider first breaking the reported interest before it was carried in the Telegraph.
There were even claims in Colombia that Rangers had bid £2.1m ($3m) for the player ahead of the new season.
Informa @PSierraR: Rangers FC prepara una oferta de €3 millones por Santiago Moreno (21|🇨🇴), atacante del América de Cali.
👉El campeón de Escocia se suma a un equipo de la MLS y al Norwich City.
📍El cuadro escarlata busca quedarse con un porcentaje de una futura venta. pic.twitter.com/2SV2RrA26d
— Express Futbol (@ExpressFutbolCL) June 29, 2021
The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell would then go into greater detail regarding any potential move and suggested the Gers weren’t likely to pounce right now at least.
This is despite the club having an ongoing scouting mission in Colombia which has been taking place over the last 18 months.
Campbell claimed this move was not “on the cards” but might Rangers regret not moving for the player whilst the price was low?