Sources: Rangers boss Russell Martin pushing to complete Crystal Palace signing
Russell Martin is the driving force behind Rangers’ efforts to sign Crystal Palace star Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Rangers’ pursuit of the 22-year-old.
While there have been suggestions of a permanent move for the winger, a loan deal is considered more likely at this stage given the finances involved in the deal.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Rangers are considering signing Rak-Sakyi on loan.
However, the Ibrox club are not the only ones interested in the Palace academy product this summer, with a number of clubs keeping a close eye on his situiaton.
Brown told Football Insider that Southampton are considering opening talks with Crystal Palace and are keen to give him a second opportunity in the Championship.
Russell Martin pushing to sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi at Rangers
Martin is known to be a long-term fan of Rak-Sakyi after trying and failing to sign him both for Swansea and Southampton during his spells at both clubs.
Rangers, meanwhile, are keen to strengthen out wide after Vaclav Cerny returned to his parent club Wolfsburg after a successful loan spell at Ibrox.
O’Rourke explained that any deal for Rak-Sakyi would also likely be a loan, with Palace set to demand £8-10million for a permanent transfer.
“Russell Martin is the driving force behind this move for Rak-Sakyi,” he told Football Insider.
“He tried to sign him for Southampton before he went to Sheffield United on loan last year.
“I don’t think Rangers can afford to sign Rak-Sakyi on a permanent basis this summer, you’d be looking for around £8-10million.
“He’s on decent wages as well at Palace, so it would more likely be a loan move if Palace were willing to do that.
“I’m sure there are other clubs looking at him as well.
“He didn;t have the best of times at Sheffield United on loan, but he did show glimpses, so other clubs are monitoring his situation at Selhurst Park.
“It’s no surprise Rangers are in the running for Rak-Sakyi because Russell Martin has tried to sign him on a couple of previous occasions.
“Rangers need to bring in a new winger to replace Vaclav Cerny, who has gone back to Wolfsburg following his successful loan spell at Ibrox.”
Cyriel Dessers offers to be accepeted after AEK Athens latest
It has already been a busy summer at Ibrox following Martin’s appointment, with a number of new signings brought in and more expected to follow.
However, they are also aiming to sell key players, as Brown told Football Insider that Rangers are planning to sell Cyriel Dessers should new offers arrive.
The striker was widely expected to join AEK Athens, but talks with the Greek club have stalled, opening the door for other interested parties to swoop.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in February that multiple European clubs want to sign Dessers after missing out on his signing in the mid-season window.
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