Reported Rangers target Josh Doig is edging closer to a £4.3 million transfer to Torino in a deal which could see Ridvan Yilmaz leave Ibrox for a fresh start in Serie A.
With Yilmaz’s future uncertain despite a midweek assist against Kilmarnock, and Borna Barisic’s contract expiring in the summer, a new left-back appears to have emerged as one of Philippe Clement’s top priorities this month.
But finding one, it seems, is proving to be easier said than done.
Liverpool, per the Daily Mail, have already rebuffed Rangers’ advances for Owen Beck, the former Dundee loanee recalled by the Anfield giants due to injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.
Josh Doig, meanwhile, looks set to snub a potential return to Scotland in order to extend his stay in Serie A.
Rangers look set to miss out on Josh Doig
Tuttomercatoweb report that the Hibernian academy graduate, who became the latest young Scotsman to pack his bags and heat for Italy when joining Hellas Verona in the summer of 2022, is closing in on move to top-flight rivals Torino.
Il Granata have accelerated talks between the two clubs, with an end to the saga potentially just hours away. Torino are expected to stump up around £4.3 million for the Edinburgh-born 21-year-old.
Interestingly, Rangers missing out on one left-back target could pave the way for another to bring an end to 18 underwhelming months in Glasgow. Tuttomercatoweb add that relegation-threatened Hellas Verona have identified Yilmaz as Doig’s replacement.
Philippe Clement wants a left-back
Of all the left-backs on Rangers’ radar, the most attainable during the winter window may be Fredrik Oppegard of PSV Eindhoven. The Norway under 21 ace has not played a single minute of league football for the Eredivisie leaders this season, with his ball-carrying ability and his athleticism potentially giving Clement a different sort of profile on the flank.
Rangers are also being linked with a move that would see Nottingham Forest misfit Emmanuel Dennis reunite with his former Club Brugge boss at Ibrox.
