‘Southampton to beat Rangers to Rak-Sakyi deal after Russell Martin decision’
Rangers could miss out on a deal to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi this summer amid growing interest from rival clubs.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is likely to leave Selhurst Park this summer.
However, the finances involved in the deal are set to make things difficult for Rangers despite Russell Martin pushing for his signing behind the scenes.
Football Insider revealed on 15 July that Palace will decide whether to accept loan offers for their academy product as they would prefer a permanent deal.
The Eagles have set their asking price at £8-10million early in the summer window, which is seen as a reasonable price for a number of Championship clubs.
Brown told Football Insider that Southampton are considering opening talks with Crystal Palace and are keen to give him a second opportunity in the second tier.
Rangers want Jesurun Rak-Sakyi deal after Crystal Palace update
Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Rangers are considering signing Rak-Sakyi on loan and rate him highly despite a difficult spell at Sheffield Untied.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that interest in the winger has not died down and Gers could miss out as a result.
“Rangers have been looking at signing Rak-Sakyi,” he told Football Insider.
“The manager there is a big fan of him and thinks he can do a job at that level.
“We’ve spoken before about Southampton’s interest, but I don’t think they’re the only ones in the Championship having a look at him.
“Clubs have had scouts looking at him so they’ll know all about what he can and can’t do.
“I’m not sure he really put a marker down at Sheffield United, which would be a bit of a worry for me, but it hasn’t put clubs off of him.
“So for Rangers, it will depend on how much the deal is going to be.
“Clubs in the Championship will be able to spend more money than they will, and if Palace are asking for around £10million, it could be difficult.
“They’ll want a loan move, but again it depends on whether Palace are open to that.
“If somebody like a Southampton comes along with a £10milllion offer, that’s going to put Rangers out of contention, so I think they could miss out.”
Russell Martin eyes Luuk de Jong deal after PSV exit
Alongside their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi, Ranfers are also determined to strengthen in the striker department, and have now set their sights on Luuk de Jong.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Rangers are interested in signing De Jong on a free transfer after he left PSV upon the expiry of his contract.
Sources say Martin’s side are giving “serious consideration” to bringing in the striker on a one-year deal with a potential option for an addition year.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 20 July that Rangers want De Jong and Conor Coady to add experience and know-how to the dressing room at Ibrox.
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