Sources: West Ham well placed to beat Rangers in race to sign Cozier-Duberry
West Ham United are well-placed to beat Rangers to the signing of Amario Cozier-Duberry this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old has attracted attention from a number of clubs across the Championship, Scotland and other European leagues as he looks likely to leave Brighton this summer.
Rangers have already seen two offers rejected by the Seagulls, but could now be set to miss out after West Ham and Wolves joined the race for this signature.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers will be unable to compete with the likes of West Ham and Wolves for Cozier-Duberry.
The Championship duo are better-placed financially to match Brighton's lofty asking price, and hold considerable pulling power as they aim for promotion this season.
Rangers remain keen to get a deal over the line, but their pursuit is becoming increasingly complicated, with rivals now in position to swoop.
How much do Brighton want for Amario Cozier-Duberry?
Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier this week that Brighton have placed a £10million price tag on Cozier-Duberry after turning down a £7million offer for his signature.
Rangers then returned with a £7.5million offer, which was also rejected, and clubs have now been alerted to his situation with multiple considering potential late swoops.
West Ham and Wolves are in stronger financial positions to meet Brighton's demands, and having joined Rangers in the race, are now well-placed to agree a deal.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Rangers are very keen on Cozier-Duberry. They've had two bids rejected now, the second of which was around £7.5million.
"Brighton are holding out for around £10million if they are to sell Cozier-Duberry, which is a big fee, and I'm not sure Rangers will be willing to go that high for him either.
"There’s a lot of growing competition for the winger now as well, you've got the likes of Wolves and West Ham in the Championship.
"Both of those clubs are planning to try and win promotion back to the Premier League, and they could afford the deal if they wanted to push forward with a move for Cozier-Duberry.
"It's a difficult deal to do for Rangers because of the price tag that's on Cozier-Duberry's head and also now this growing rival interest as well could damage their chances."
Are Rangers still in the race to sign Cozier-Duberry?
Despite the growing interest from West Ham, Wolves and other European clubs, Rangers are still confident that they can steal a march on their rivals to sign Cozier-Duberry.
Having already seen two bids rejected by Brighton, talks are believed to be ongoing between the two clubs, as the Scottish giants edge closer to matching his asking price.
Football Insider revealed on 21 August that Rangers are advancing towards agreeing terms for Cozier-Duberry after making two formal offers to Brighton.
However, with the window edging nearer to closing, Rangers have been told they will have to pay big money to get a deal over the line, leading to some new concerns.
Fabian Hurzeler's side are open to letting him move on permanently this summer, but insist his asking price must be met, while Rangers remain very keen to get a deal over the line.