Rangers will need to pip fellow Europa League Finalists Eintracht Frankfurt to the signing of Turkish talent Ridvan Yilmaz amid claims the club’s interest in the Besiktas star is legitimate.
Rangers fans have been getting excited about the prospect of signing the 20-year-old Turkish international full-back amid reports in the Daily Mail linking the Ibrox side this week.
This has since been backed up by the likes of Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark, who believes Ibrox interest in the player is legitimate but that Besiktas will need to lower their asking price.
This comes with the Gers short at left-back – having only Borna Barisic in the position – and the club set to recoup up to a whopping £23m on Calvin Bassey.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst also hinted the club might pursue a new left-back after the Gers’ 3-1 friendly win over Premier League West Ham.
Entering the final year of his contract with Besiktas, Rangers are said to be considering their options with the player amid initial claims Ridvan Yilmaz will cost a cool £4m.
Eintracht Frankfurt linked to “£8.5m” Rangers target Ridvan Yilmaz
Should Rangers step up their interest they could meet competiiton in the shape of familiar Europa League foes and Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt – and they may have to pay a lot more.
The Gers suffered penalty kick heartbreak against the Germans in Seville and whilst signing Ridvan Yilmaz wouldn’t quite make up for it, it’d certainly feel good beating Frankfurt to his signing.
According to the German version of Goal, Eintracht Frankfurt were interested in signing the attacking full-back earlier in the summer.
The report also claimed that there is competition from France in the shape of Lyon and Italy from Turin, with the fee back then quoted closer to £7m.
There are also some quotes attributed to Besiktas chairman Ahmet nur Cebi in May which claim that Besiktas actually want £8.5m (€10m) for Ridvan Yilmaz.
“We have received official offers for Ridvan but we are not thinking about selling”, said nur Cebi [Premier Season].
“If someone wants him, the offer has to be around ten millions euros.
“If someone comes up with ten million euros, I will sell Ridvan.”
It changes the complexion of those Rangers links to Ridvan Yilmaz and even with the Calvin Bassey money, it would be some statement to splash a substantial amount of the young full-back.
Even if it might feel good pipping the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt to his signature.
Meanwhile, a former Rangers manager was back at Ibrox this week as part of the club’s pre-season preparations.
