'He'll leave': Agent suggests Rangers' £4m target could move to America instead
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With the January transfer window now only a few days away, Rangers’ plans are becoming a little clearer.
Rangers News have exclusively reported that Philippe Clement’s side are chasing NK Osijek midfielder Marko Soldo. A highly versatile and an ‘extremely powerful’ operator, Croatia Under-21 international Soldo is in the form of his life, scoring six goals and providing four assists from a new-look attacking role this season.
But if a new midfielder is a priority, Rangers also appear to be considering additions in the attacking third.
Rangers are reportedly targeting South Africa striker Iqraam Rayners. Scorer of 12 goals in just 16 games for Mamelodi Sundows, Soccer Laduma claim that an offer in the region of £2.4 million is on the way from Ibrox.
Malaysia winger Arif Hanapi is another for Rangers fans to keep an eye on.
Whether Rangers make a move for Darius Olaru – the Romania playmaker wants to leave FCSB in the New Year – remains to be seen, however. Rangers News heard back in November that there had been no significant developments, but that could soon change with a £4 million release clause making Olaru one of the best bargains on the market.
- READ MORE:Rangers Transfer History 2016-Present
MLS move talked up for Rangers-linked Darius Olaru
Giovanni Becali, one of the most respected agents in Romanian football, tells Fanatik that he believes a departure is on the cards.
He also feels that America may be a likely destination with many Major League Soccer clubs moving away from a reliance upon ageing veterans and towards affordable players at the peak of their powers.
“Olaru remains the same player courted by several clubs,” Becali says. “We’ll see if it’s possible in January. [Make a bid of] five million euros, and he’ll leave.
“Maybe America…”
Ex-Romania forward Banel Nicolita thinks Olaru ‘deserves’ the chance to prove himself in a more high-profile competition.
"You know there's a five million euro clause. He can leave if there's a team that pays 5 million euros," Nicolita tells AS.
"I would like to [say he deserves a move to Rangers] with all my heart, because he is a hardworking player. A good player. From my point of view, he is the best footballer in Romania.
"He has proven it. His numbers speak for themselves, [so] he deserves to join a top team."
Romania star Olaru plays like a young Steven Gerrard
A number ten by trade, Olaru has been likened to Steven Gerrard in his Liverpool pomp. Though Rangers may instead go for the Soldo option with the Dinamo Zagreb graduate both younger and cheaper at the age of 21.
"[Olaru] is the type we saw in the past with Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard," former West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla defender Dumitrescu explains to Digi Sport.
"There are very few teams that play with a number ten. Barcelona plays with Dani Olmo, Chelsea plays with [Cole] Palmer, but there aren't very many.
"He has to react defensively as well. Until he understands that he has to react defensively, he won't make a big step. He has a sensational reaction in the offensive phase [though]. When he has the ball at his feet, he decides [matches].
“He is decisive and he is [Romania’s] best player in the midfield, but that is not enough.”
