Rangers are pursuing a move to sign FC Twente left-back Gijs Smal this month as their chances of landing Josh Doig collapse, sources have told Football Insider.
The Glasgow giants are prioritising the capture of a left-back capable of slotting straight into Philippe Clement’s starting XI and their top targets have been Smal and Doig.
However, Marseille have had a late-night bid accepted by Hellas Verona for Doig, 21, after he agreed terms on a four-and-a-half-year deal with the French club running until 2028.
Rangers, who had begun preliminary talks about a move for the former Hibernian star and were optimistic a deal could be reached, are severely hurt by this.
They are now focusing on obtaining Smal from FC Twente prior to the deadline of February 1st.
Since the 26-year-old’s contract with the Dutch team expires at the end of the current campaign, the Gers may be able to sign him this month for a reduced price.
They might decide to hold off on offering him a contract to come to Ibrox until he becomes a free agent in order to avoid having to pay Twente a fee.
A calf injury ruled the Dutchman out of the first eight weeks of the season, but he has since started six of the last eight league games for the Reds.
Smal had a fantastic season the previous year, recording the most assists of any player in the league with 10 in the Eredivisie in addition to his two goals.
In 2020, he signed a three-year contract as a free agent from Volendam to play for Twente.
Rangers are still keen to sign new left-backs given Borna and Ridvan Yilmaz’s uncertain futures.
The Gers also had a left-back attempt rejected earlier in the January transfer window; on January 11, Football Insider reported that they had an offer turned down for Owen Beck, a 21-year-old left-back for Liverpool.
After the winter break, Rangers, who currently lead the league, will play Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup on January 20.
According to sources, Rangers’ offer to sign 21-year-old Liverpool starlet was turned down.
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