Rangers have suffered a definitive transfer blow as primary defensive target Sankhoun Diawara is scheduled to undergo a medical with AC Milan ahead of a €3million (£2.5million) move to the San Siro.
The 20-year-old ESTAC Troyes defender looked destined for Ibrox after Rangers recruitment chiefs reportedly reached an agreement with the French outfit and presented a package promising immediate first-team involvement under Derek McInnes.
However, Serie A powerhouses AC Milan launched a late hijack to steal the French Under-19 international‘s signature.
Italian journalist Daniele Longo has now confirmed that the final financial details are locked in and the player is due in Italy in the coming hours.
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Daniele Longo confirms medical booking
Reporting via X on Monday (27 July), Longo revealed that the numbers behind the operation have been ratified, paving the way for official completion.
The journalist disclosed that Milan have agreed a total package worth over £2.5m with Troyes to take the young defender to Serie A.
While initial reports suggested Milan intended to integrate the left-footed defender into their Milan Futuro reserve squad, recent updates from Italy indicate he may be brought directly into the first-team setup as long-term cover.
Rangers forced to pivot ahead of Premiership opener
Losing out on Diawara represents a frustrating setback for McInnes and Andrew Cavenagh.
A physically imposing, left-sided centre-back was identified early in the window as a non-negotiable priority to balance the defensive line.
With Friday’s Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United fast approaching, Rangers must act swiftly to turn attention toward alternative defensive targets before the deadline.
McInnes revealed after the 0-0 draw against West Ham United on Sunday (26 July) that Rangers are hopeful of providing a positive update on a new signing by the end of Tuesday, while they are also working on another arrival before Friday’s trip to Tannadice.
Fans are hopeful that at least one of them is a centre-back, especially after Chris Jack disclosed that the Light Blues have been working in parallel on signing another defender alongside Diawara.
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Editorial verdict
While competing with the lure of European royalty like AC Milan is always a formidable task for Scottish clubs, missing out after agreeing terms with Troyes leaves a temporary void in McInnes‘ defensive rebuild.
The focus now firmly shifts to how quickly the Ibrox chiefs can execute their secondary options before competitive football gets underway.
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