Rangers have been dealt a frustrating blow in their summer pursuit of Blackburn Rovers star Ryan Alebiosu, after a highly anticipated scouting mission was completely derailed by a sudden illness.
According to a fresh update from transfer specialist Alan Nixon, the Light Blues, as well as Brentford, deployed senior recruitment staff to cast an eye over the attacking right-back during a recent pre-season fixture.
However, the direct, raiding defender was nowhere to be found on the team sheet after coming down with an illness.
With both managers fiercely in the market for an attacking-minded full-back, their scouts will have to wait a little longer before getting another live evaluation.
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Rangers spying mission ruined by bug
Both clubs sent top-level scouts with the explicit directive to monitor the 24-year-old’s fitness and tactical discipline ahead of launching a potential formal bid.
Finding out he was sidelined with a minor bug was an irritation, but it will not deter either party.
Nixon notes that the presence of both Rangers and Brentford scouts is fully expected at Blackburn’s upcoming pre-season friendlies over the next few weeks as they look to compile a complete scouting file.
While the journalist did not confirm the details of the game the scouts from Ibrox were present, it is safe to assume it was the 0-0 draw between Blackburn and Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium last weekend.
Alebiosu missed the game entirely, but returned to action in Rovers’ 3-0 win against Barnsley on Saturday, 18 July, playing 45 minutes in the second half.
With the game held at Blackburn’s senior training centre, it is possible that Gers officials watched him in action on this occasion.
Blackburn stance: Relegation survival drives up price
While the illness is only a temporary setback, the real hurdle for Rangers remains the financial package required to pry Alebiosu away from Ewood Park.
Earlier this summer, Nixon revealed that Blackburn Rovers have slapped a firm £8million valuation on their prized asset.
The Ibrox outfit had initial hopes of landing the former Arsenal youth product on a cut-price fee.
However, because Rovers successfully managed to survive a gruelling Championship relegation battle last season, their financial leverage has been heavily reinforced.
They are under zero sporting pressure to sell on the cheap.
Alebiosu is contracted to Tony Mowbray’s side until 2028, and the club hope to tie him down to a longer deal.
They are prepared to cash in on him if he refuses to commit his future, but not for a cut-price fee.
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Why he fits the Ibrox blueprint
It is easy to see why Rangers remain entirely undeterred by the hefty price tag. Following the departure of long-standing captain James Tavernier, finding a full-back who can replicate that elite level of attacking output from the right flank is vital.
Alebiosu perfectly matches that modern profile. In his 39 Championship appearances last season, he registered five assists and proved to be one of the most dynamic transition threats in the second tier.
Standing at 6’2″, he possesses a rare blend of physical power and electric recovery pace that would easily translate to the demands of the Scottish Premiership.
With two years left on his current contract at Ewood Park, Blackburn hold a very strong hand.
If Rangers want to win this battle against Premier League competition from Brentford, they will need to come close to meeting that £8m demand.
