Rangers chances of signing Josh Maja hang in the balance with reports saying the former Sunderland and Fulham striker has ‘no intention’ of leaving if Bordeaux are promoted back to the French top-flight.
If Les Girondins are dining alongside PSG, Marseille and co again at France’s top table next term, then it be Maja who put their name back on the guest-list.
The London-born striker’s 14 goals are a major reason why Bordeaux are second in the Ligue 2 table. Well-placed to return to the promised land at the very first time of asking after last year’s traumatic relegation.
According to Foot Mercato, 24-year-old Maja has no shortage of suitors ahead of the summer transfer window. He has an offer on the table from La Liga outfit Real Valladolid. A number of clubs are looking to take the one-time Sunderland starlet back across the Channel too, while Rangers have also been linked in some quarters.
Maja’s future appears tied to that of Bordeaux. Foot Mercato add that, if promotion is achieved, Maja will sign a new deal and extend his stay at the Matmut Atlantique. If Bordeaux fall short, however, then Rangers may just have an opportunity.
Rangers eyeing up Bordeaux striker Josh Maja
After an inconsistent and nomadic couple of years, Maja is enjoying his finest spell since breaking into the first team picture at Sunderland.
“What he does have is a brilliant attitude and good quality,” former Black Cats boss Jack Ross said of a teenage Maja back in 2018, shortly before his rather acrimonious, £3.5 million departure.
“He is a very, very good finisher.”
Mick Beale has made no secret of his desire to bring a new striker to Ibrox. One capable of offering something ‘different’ to penalty-box poacher Antonio Colak and the more rambunctious Alfredo Morelos.
Rangers reportedly like Blackpool’s Jerry Yates, Swansea City’s Joel Piroe and Serbia U21 ace Petar Ratkov, among others.
“It’s clear that we want to have most of our work done early,” Beale said on Friday.
A couple of new signings, he adds, are almost in the bag already.
“When we’ve done that in the past,” Beale explains. “It’s always led to a strong pre-season and a strong season. We know at the early part there’s European qualification in terms of the Champions League, which is really, really important.
“There’ll be some new faces on the first day of pre-season. All of those plans are in place, and the talks are ongoing.
“There’s one or two things we are not far away from sealing. So I’m really happy.”
