Sources: Rangers make move to sign Jose Cifuentes as ‘big offers’ on the table from Leeds United & co
Rangers are unlikely to land the signature of Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes as he is a target for English Premier League clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
The Govan club have been in contact over potentially signing the Ecuador international but are not frontrunners in the battle for his signature.
The 24-year-old starred for MLS outfit Los Angeles FC last season and is out of contract in December this year, prompting Rangers to enquire about his availability.
Leeds United and La Liga outfit Espanyol are also pushing to secure the South American talent with big offers already on the table.
Although Rangers have held contact with the player and his representatives, they are not confident that they can match the bids currently on the table.
The Ibrox side don’t want to completely drop out of the race, but they are aware that it would require a big financial commitment from the club to complete a deal for Cifuentes and address other areas.
There is intense pressure on manager Michael Beale to build a squad capable of challenging arch-rivals Celtic next season, and he may be forced to do it without the help of a director of football following Ross Wilson’s departure to Nottingham Forest.
Cifuentes is admired by the Gers coaching staff, but they would prefer to address a number of positions with their summer budget.
Rangers have found themselves with a gap to bridge this summer, with Celtic set to retain the Premiership trophy and potentially win a treble this season.
Cifuentes has scored once and assisted twice this season, and remains unbeaten in the league with LAFC after seven matches.
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