Rangers appear to have missed out on a former transfer target, with Brazilian playmaker Evander on the brink of joining Portland Timbers in the MLS.
The 24-year old, who plays for FC Midtjylland in Denmark, is reportedly set to join the Oregon side in January for around $10million, which would smash the club's transfer record.
American journalist Tom Bogert reports that the deal is almost done, with only minor details and a medical still to go. Evander has been in fine form for the Danish Superliga outfit this season, and has already netted seven goals in 17 appearances this season. The former Vasco da Gama youth graduate has also caught the eye in the Europa League, and currently tops the charts for assists in the competition so far this season with five. Evander has established himself as one of the top players in the Danish top flight, and has scored 50 goals in 167 appearances for the club since joining in 2018.
Back in August, Record Sport reported that the Brazilian midfielder was on Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst's radar in the final days of the summer window, with Midtjylland Director of Sport Svend Graversen admitting that the club were open to listening to offers for the player. Reports in the Turkish media at the time also claimed that Rangers were the preferred destination for Evander should a move have materialised, after a transfer to Galatasaray fell through.
Rangers supporters have been critical of the club's transfer policy in recent seasons, with the Ibrox side now trailing rivals Celtic at the top of the Premiership by nine points. The Gers also failed miserably in their first Champions League group stage campaign in 12 years, losing convincingly in all six of their matches, including an embarrassing 7-1 home defeat to Liverpool. Van Bronckhorst is now under immense pressure to retain his job, with the Rangers board holding an AGM tomorrow to discuss the Dutchman's future.
It remains to be seen as to whether the former Barcelona and Arsenal star will be given more time to try and turn his side's fortunes around, with the January transfer window on the horizon. Rangers are likely to try and add to their squad when it opens, but are also in danger of losing pair Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent on free transfers, with both players out of contract in the summer. The duo have came under heavy criticism for their lacklustre performances this season, with Ryan Kent reportedly looking to return to England at the expiration of his Rangers contract.
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