‘Rangers accelerate Rak-Sakyi signing plan after Palace reveal’
Rangers are considering a move to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on loan with an option or obligation to buy next summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Rangers’ financial situation means they are unlikely to make a permanent bid at this stage.
Palace have set a £10million asking price for the 22-year-old and would prefer to cash in this summer, but are open to discussions about a potential structured deal.
Rangers are not the only club interested in Rak-Sakyi, as Brown told Football Insider that Southampton are considering opening talks with Crystal Palace.
The Saints’ initial efforts to sign the Eagles’ academy graduate came under Russell Martin’s guidance last year, and he is now keen to finally land his man.
Rak-Sakyi remains highly-rated within the game despite a difficult loan spell at Sheffield United where he scored seven goals and provided two assists in 23 starts.
Rangers eye Jesurun Rak-Sakyi deal as Palace stance revealed
Brown told Football Insider in October that Palace had considered recalling Rak-Sakyi from his short-term spell – but there is now a feeling he will be allowed to leave Selhurst Park.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted a season-long loan could be agreed if there is a future fee involved.
“Plenty of clubs are interested in Rak-Sakyi,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s still highly-rated and spoken about positively, but he didn’t exactly put a marker down during his spell at Sheffield United to show why these clubs want him.
“That’s why Palace are open to letting him go, they don’t think he’ll cut it there.
“Ideally, they’d be looking for around £10million for him, but I don’t think Rangers can pay that.
“If they’re going to spend that sort of money on one player, they’ll want somebody who is guaranteed to come in and make a difference immediately.
“It could be one they look to get in on loan, maybe with a view to signing him afterwards.
“If he went up to Ibrox and impressed, then I’m sure they’d be more willing to pay the money.
“I think that’s the type of deal it would have to be for Rangers in their financial position, and it could be one Palace are open to if they can cash in at the end.
“As I say, though, they’re not the only interested club so somebody else might come and pay the money Palace are asking for.”
Jamie Vardy update emerges as Ibrox talks opened
Alongside their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi, the Ibrox club are also aiming to bring in a new striker and are eyeing a deal for Jamie Vardy after he left Leicester.
Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Rangers are pushing to sign Vardy despite Martin refusing to comment on any individual transfer stories.
The ex-England forward’s availability has put the Scottish side on alert, alongside clubs in the MLS and Premier League, and they are keen to do a deal.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 July that Rangers have opened preliminary talks with Vardy and are accelerating their pursuit of the striker.
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