It's been a busy summer at Rangers and their recruitment process shows no signs of slowing down.
The Light Blues are hunting down signing number five of the summer in the form of Brighton winger Abdallah Sima, with advanced talks underway for a season-long loan deal. Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and Sam Lammers have already signed deals to link up ahead of boss Michael Beale's pre-season kicking off but they won't be the last in the door.
Cyriel Dessers has been widely touted as a striker option and Jose Cifuentes' move from LAFC to Ibrox continues to drag on. There are exits to consider too, with Glen Kamara and Scott Wright amongst those with a decision to make on whether they stick with Light Blues life or twist on their chances of starring elsewhere. We take a look at some the stories and rumours surrounding Rangers' transfer business at the minute.
Abdallah Sima
The former Slavia Prague winger joined Brighton two years ago but they could see a future for him by the sea, with an option to buy ruled out. And quotes from Seagulls technical director at the time Dan Ashworth seemed to hint towards a much-needed UK-adaptation period, with former Gers man David Weir a key component throughout his stint contracted to the Premier League side. There will also be few better shoulders to lean on for Sima than Weir when it comes to Ibrox advice
Ashworth said in a 2021 statement: “Abdallah joins us after a really good season with Slavia Prague, last season, which saw him excel in their domestic league and the Europa League. However it is important to remember he has had a very rapid rise, coming from Senegal to France, and he has only played one full season of professional football.
"We’re excited by his potential. David Weir and the loans team will be working closely with him to monitor his progress and ensure he settles here in the UK."
Luis Palma
This link has gone cold in recent weeks and now it seems like Luis Palma moving from Aris to Rangers can be firmly put in the what could have been folder. Greek reports suggest AEK Athens are on his case.
According to journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos, the Greek heavyweights 'are now leading the race' for Palma's signature. Rangers also appear to have moved on to other striking options, speaking of which...
Cyriel Dessers
The Nigerian international has already seen one bid thrown out by current club Cremonese from Rangers. He is a target of Beale's but according to sporting director Simone Jacket, they need the Light Blues to make the next move.
Jacket told SportItalia: "There is a negotiation with Rangers underway. But at the moment everything is still because we are waiting for them to formulate the new proposal."
James Bisgrove
Moving away from traditional run of the mill rumour chat, CEO Bisgrove held a fans forum earlier this month and fielded several questions on all things Rangers. One of those topics was finding a replacement for Ross Wilson, the sporting director who left post to join Nottingham Forest last season, and there are top candidates lined up by the new chief.
The minutes released by Rangers on Bisgrove's response to a question over where the club was in the recruitment process reads: "With regard to the Sporting Director position there are top calibre candidates currently being considered and the board is keeping an open mind on this role to ensure the right candidate is appointed as it stands. We have huge confidence in the Manager, Scouting team and Executive staff that are leading the recruitment process and football operations.
