Rangers given Bryan Reynolds green light after £2.1m bid, Jose Mourinho loved him
Rangers have been given the green light to secure the signing of Westerlo right-back Bryan Reynolds this summer.
The Ibrox outfit have had an initial offer worth £2.1million rejected by the Belgian side, according to Sacha Tavolieri via his X account.
Westerlo are said to be "unwilling" to allow the USA star to leave them for such a small fee this summer, but could be ready to do business if an increased offer is put on the table.
Reynolds has already given his personal green light for a move to join Rangers, but it is expected that other clubs could also join the race.
The 24-year-old notched two goals and three assists in the Belgian Pro League this term, and is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.
His form has seen the recruitment team at Ibrox take a liking to him, and he also has Jose Mourinho to boast as part of his list of admirers.
What has Jose Mourinho said about Bryan Reynolds?
Reynolds has just reached the end of his fourth full season at Westerlo, where he has become a key player following his move from Roma.
The former Dallas FC academy graduate spent two years with the Italian capital club between 2020 and 2022, where he worked closely with Mourinho as his manager.
The American made just six Serie A appearances during his time with the Giallorossi, but played two games as part of their victorious UEFA Conference League campaign back in 2021-22.
Despite his lack of football, Mourinho was clearly fond of the defender, as the pair seemingly worked together closely on the training ground during their time at Roma.
Reynolds suggested in an interview with Sky Italy (via Roma Press) after leaving the club back in 2022 that the Portuguese boss often gave him "advice in training on how to improve when I made mistakes."
He also added that Mourinho was quick to "compliment" him when he was "doing well," which certainly suggests that the iconic boss saw something in the youngster.
Reynolds was only 19 when he played under Mourinho, but the former Chelsea chief clearly felt that he had a future ahead of him in the game.
Rangers have replacement ready after Ibrox bust-up
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Danny Rohl is likely to be "haunted" by his bust-up with James Tavernier, and will likely need a strong start to the season in order to keep his job.
The pair fell out ahead of what should have been the veteran full-back's final game at Ibrox, prompting him to withdraw from the matchday squad.
Rangers have placed significant priority on finding a capable replacement for Tavernier this summer, and they now appear to have got their man in Reynolds.
The Gers may have been knocked back by Westerlo in their opening attempt to strike a deal, but the willingness on the player's part is a major tick for them.
It would be no surprise to see the Glasgow giants head back in with an improved offer, and given the defender's contract situation, it could be enough to get a deal done.