Adama Traore was one of the more interesting links from earlier in Rangers’ transfer window.
As the nerves jangle over what is viewed as a lack of necessary activity in Glasgow’s southside, a move for the Ferencvaros winger was mooted at the beginning of the summer.
Reports originating in Africa had claimed that Rangers were in ‘advanced’ discussions to sign Adama Traore this summer.
But since those £3.5m Traore transfer claims appeared, there has been pretty much radio silence when it comes to the 29-year-old Malian international.
Now, Rangers’ name has once again been attached to the wide man but it’s been suggested the Ibrox side will face stiff competition for Traore’s Champions League talents.
Rangers face Champions League competition
Adama Traore played a key role in Sheriff Tiraspol’s Champions League jaunt a few years ago.
Scoring a number of goals in qualification, the winger repeated the feat with Ferencvaros a couple of seasons ago even if the Hungarians missed out on the group stage.
As Rangers look to reach the revamped tournament this summer, links to Traore certainly appear to make plenty of sense.
But it appears the Ibrox side are not the only Champions League hopefuls who are looking to recruit the Malian’s not inconsiderable experience.
Turkish giants Fenerbahce have appointed Jose Mourinho in charge of the club this summer and are a potential Champions League qualifying opponent for Rangers.
Now, a report coming out of Turkey via A Spor is claiming the Turks have an initial €3m (£2.5m) interest in signing Traore, who has been nicknamed ‘Malouda’ after ex-Chelsea star Florent Malouda.
Attributing the claims to sources in Africa, it’s also claimed that Ferencvaros are holding out for a club to activate the winger’s €5m (£4.2m) release clause.
Interestingly, the report namedrops Rangers as an ‘interested’ party and it is suggested the two Champions League hopefuls are doing battle for the winger ahead of the new season.
Traore at transfer crossroads
Rangers fans are certainly a little nervous over the club’s transfer business so far this summer.
Whilst a host of young names have come into the side, there’s a startling lack of experience which Philippe Clement insists will be addressed.
With the club’s squad jetting out to a Dutch training camp this week and looking decidedly short, Rangers fans are running out of patience.
A move for Adama Traore would certainly settle the nerves, the 56-times capped Malian international boasting plenty of experience and quality.
Whilst the winger’s season was interrupted by injury, Traore netted an impressive 14 goals and laid on five assists in 27 appearances last campaign.
But with the pull of big wages at Fenerbahce and the lure of Jose Mourinho, it appears Rangers could face quite a challenge to get a deal over the line.
Perhaps the Turks also need to get rid of one former Rangers attacker before they can move.
Ex-Ibrox winger Ryan Kent has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
