Sources: Rangers plot stunning double swoop after ‘record-breaking’ deal offered
Rangers’ chances of landing deals for Lawrence Shankland and Abdallah Sima in the summer will significantly increase if they qualify for the Champions League, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Insider Track Podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the added funds from qualifying for the competition will be a huge boost in their efforts to acquire the high-value forwards.
Hearts ace Shankland has been offered two record-breaking offers to extend his deal at the Edinburgh club but is yet to pen new terms amid speculation regarding a move to Ibrox.
Rangers are keen to retain Sima after his loan spell from Brighton expires, and as revealed by Football Insider (31 December), the Seagulls would be willing to sell him if their £15million valuation is met.
However, moves for the pair hinge on Rangers successfully reaching the group stages of the Champions League, something they failed to do this season.
Shankland has been long linked with a move to Rangers and is currently the Scottish top flight’s leading goal scorer with 14.
Sima has been a standout for the Gers since his arrival in the summer and is the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 15 across 33 appearances.
However, he could miss the remainder of the season after picking up a devastating thigh injury while training with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations last month.
Rangers sit second in the league following their 1-0 away victory against St Mirren on Saturday (27 January).
They are next in action against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday afternoon (3 February).
In other news, Deal agreed: Clement has ‘high expectations’ as Rangers complete new signing.
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