Sources: Rangers plan to accelerate Kevin Kelsy deal after 'unfortunate' twist
Rangers are planning to accelerate their pursuit of Kevin Kelsy in the late stages of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has emerged among the leading targets for Rangers to strengthen up front, with Derek McInnes aiming to improve his squad after a slow start to the season.
The Venezuela international has caught the eye with his performances for Portland Timbers, where he has found the net nine times in 19 appearances so far this season.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Kelsy is high on Rangers' list of targets with the addition of a new striker becoming a priority.
This comes after the "unfortunate" injury suffered by Youssef Chermiti, who ruptured his cruciate ligament during the 2-1 defeat against Hibernian earlier this month.
McInnes is now keen to land a replacement for Chermiti, despite having not initially planned to sign a new striker, with Kelsy currently heading their list of targets.
Will Rangers make a move to sign Kevin Kelsy?
Football Insider reported on 14 August that Rangers have made a £7.4million move to sign Kelsy, but may find it difficult to reach an agreement with Portland Timbers.
With the MLS side in no rush to sell and the attacker not pushing for an exit, the Ibrox club may have to improve their offer if they want to bring him in.
Talks are already underway between the two clubs, as the Portland Timbers striker represents a top target for Rangers to strengthen up front, and they are accelerating their plans.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "They’re going to have to look in the market for striking options due to that serious injury to Chermiti.
"Rangers are looking at a number of targets, they've also looked at the boy Kelsey from Portland Timbers in the MLS as well.
"He's somebody they are having a close look at, and he has impressed with his performances over in the MLS recently.
"I'm sure there'll be a host of names that Rangers are looking at as they obviously now need to add to their striking options due to that unfortunate injury to Chermiti."
Which other strikers are on Rangers' radar?
Alongside their pursuit of Kelsy, Rangers continue to be linked with a number of different attacking options as they aim to bolster their squad before the window closes.
Chermiti's injury is likely to force them into the transfer market in an attempt to bring in cover, with some of their previous targets now set to be revisited.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers could reignite their interest in Motherwell star Tawanda Maswanhise in the near future.
After his performances last season, where he scored 17 goals in 35 league appearances and was crowned the Golden Boot winner, he still has some strong admirers.
The 23-year-old impressed Rangers scouts with his performances in the Scottish Premiership last season, but their interest was believed to have cooled earlier this summer.