Rangers accelerate move to sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl as rivals plot late hijack

Rangers are planning to accelerate efforts to sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl amid late interest from clubs in Turkey, sources have told Football Insider.

A number of Turkish Super Lig clubs are preparing bids for the 20-year-old, who has been a long-term target thanks to his performance for Tromso in the Norwegian Eliteserien.

Rangers, however, are making moves to get ahead of their rivals in their pursuit after seeing an opening bid for the midfielder rejected by his club in recent weeks.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers are now preparing to fend off interest from their rivals with a fresh offer for Hjerto-Dahl.

The midfielder has emerged as a leading target for Rangers this summer after they missed out last year, and efforts are now being made to agree terms with his club.

Derek McInnes is keen to bolster his midfield options, and views Hjerto-Dahl as a top option, with the club keen to back him ahead of the new season.

Will Rangers make a new offer for Jens Hjerto-Dahl?

Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Rangers are pushing to reach an agreement with Tromso over Hjerto-Dahl, with negotiations ongoing after their opening bid was rejected.

The Ibrox club are showing no signs of backing down in their pursuit and remain hopeful that a deal can be agreed as they prepare to submit an improved offer.

Interest from rival clubs, notably in Turkey, has threatened to throw a spanner in the works but Rangers remain confident a deal can be done as they remain in talks.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Yeah, he's a player that they do like, Hjerto-Dahl. As you mentioned, he's been a long-term target for them.

"Obviously they have been continuing to keep tabs on him. There are reports in Norway claiming that a bid has been rejected by Tromso for Hjerto-Dahl from Rangers.

"Obviously we know they are keen to get a deal done if they have made a bid, and I'm sure negotiations are ongoing between Tromso and Rangers to see if a deal can be thrashed out.

"There's been late interest from Turkey as well, but a Rangers are trying to be proactive in trying to get a deal done as quick as possible and they're continuing to back Derek McInnes in this transfer window."

Which other clubs are interested in Hjerto-Dahl?

Rangers know they will have to beat off competition from rival clubs across Europe to secure a deal for Hjerto-Dahl, in a sign of how highly-rated the midfielder has become.

At just 20 years old, he is attracting interest from a number of top clubs, with Premier League sides also believed to have been tracking his performances.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last summer that both Brighton and Leeds United were keen to sign Hjerto-Dahl, with scouts having been impressed by his displays.

Both clubs, particularly Brighton, have placed an increased focus on identifying the top young talents in world football, and the Norwegian is firmly on their radar.

While it is unclear whether their interest has lingered, Rangers are aware they may need to move quickly to prevent him being lured away from their clutches.