Rangers have entered a high-stakes, multi-club transfer battle for Stockport County’s explosive striker Adama Sidibeh, with Derek McInnes’ side monitoring the forward’s situation ahead of a potential summer move.
According to a fresh update from trusted transfer specialist Alan Nixon, the Ibrox side are tracking the Gambia international, who has seen his stock skyrocket following a blistering run of form south of the border.
The recruitment team at Auchenhowie are well aware of the 28-year-old’s attributes, having heavily considered a move for him during his previous spell in Scotland with St. Johnstone.
However, if Rangers are to land the frontman this summer, they will have to fend off fierce, immediate competition from a trio of ambitious EFL Championship sides.
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Championship heavyweights circle as £1.5m race heats up
Nixon reports that Blackburn Rovers are currently incredibly keen to structure a £1.5million deal to take Sidibeh to Ewood Park, though the Lancashire outfit will need to engineer player sales to raise the necessary funds.
Tony Mowbray’s side are also closing on a loan deal for Bournemouth starlet Daniel Jebbison, but view Sidibeh as the ideal explosive option to complete their new-look frontline.
They are not alone. Bristol City are firmly in the hunting pack after Sidibeh absolutely sparkled against them in a pre-season friendly over the weekend.
With the Robins seeing their pursuit of alternate targets rebuffed, they could easily accelerate a move for the Stockport ace.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are also credited with a serious shine to the striker as they desperately search for goals and variety to spearhead a promotion charge.
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The infamous Joey Barton connection
Adding an intriguing layer of drama to any potential negotiations is the company the player keeps off the pitch.
Sidibeh is represented by the exact same high-profile, mercurial agency circle that represents Joey Barton, who played for Rangers in 2016, according to Transfermarkt.
McKay was involved in the controversy surrounding the tragic passing of Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash en route to finalise a transfer to Cardiff City.
Cardiff even sued the agent to gain information about his involvement in the transfer, before both parties agreed to an out-of-court settlement.
While the Barton era in Glasgow ended contentiously under a cloud of drama, those same representatives retain extensive, deep-rooted connections within British football.
Their involvement guarantees that any potential deal for Sidibeh will be handled with high-level, fast-moving, and aggressive negotiation tactics.
The Rangers verdict
McInnes appears determined to add raw pace, physicality, and a dynamic edge to his frontline – as evidenced by interest in Sheffield United’s Ryan One – Sidibeh fits the profile perfectly.
Having already adapted to the physical demands of the Scottish game during his formative spell in Perth, he would not require the lengthy transitional period that often plagues foreign imports.
Stockport County are clearly braced for a major payday, and with a £1.5m price tag floated, the financial stakes are clear.
If Rangers decide to convert their long-term admiration into a concrete bid, they must act decisively before the Championship contingent standardises the market.
