We were hit by a sense of deja vu over the weekend as reports emerged suggesting that Rangers were closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Back in January, Philippe Clement’s side agreed terms with Fluminense to bring in the highly-rated left-back Jefte Vital. The Brazilian youngster, on loan at APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus, even missed training apparently in an attempt to force through a move to Ibrox.
But after APOEL refused to terminate his loan deal midway through the campaign, thus denying Jefte his dream switch to Rangers, the 20-year-old returned with us tail between his legs, apologising to his club before re-establishing himself in the starting XI.
Rangers, of course, will be hoping that their pursuit of Jose Cordoba – four months on – does not end with another grovelling apology, but with the Panama international holding a blue scarf aloft on the Ibrox turf.
Rangers in advanced Jose Cordoba talks
Cordoba, like Jefte briefly back in January, was conspicuous by his absence as Levski Sofia prepared for Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Cherno More. The 22-year-old was then left out of the matchday squad, talks with the Glasgow giants reportedly reaching an ‘advanced’ stage after Cordoba travelled to Scotland to take in the recent 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock (Rangers Review).
Fortunately, that is there the similarities between the Cordoba situation and the Jefte one end. Unlike APOEL, Levski Sofia appear to be in no mood to deny Cordoba the chance to make a leap up the footballing ladder.
“There is serious interest in our players,” majority owner Nasko Sirakov said a few weeks back. “We may have to sign more than five new ones (to replace those who are departing).
“I do not sell cheap. (But) Jose, if he continues to perform like this, we will not have the moral right to keep him.
“There is a very serious interest in him. I had a conversation with him. I told him to think about the next (few) games and the preparations for the Copa America. Leave the rest to the club.”
Levski Sofia reportedly receive £2.5m Ibrox bid
According to reports from Bulgaria, there is also interest from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise and French giants Lille. Rangers appear to have stolen a march on both clubs, however, submitting a £2.5 million bid.
Tema Sport back up those claims, insisting that Cordoba does indeed have ‘an offer’ from Ibrox. What’s more, Levski appear to be already putting plans in place to reinvest that potential £2.5 million into their playing squad. A deal has been agreed to bring in Brazilian talent Maicon from Nova Iguazu.
Maicon is another left-sided defender but feels unlikely to be a direct replacement for Cordoba. Although he has played at centre-half in the past, Maicon is an orthodox left-back by trade, whereas Cordoba earns his living in the middle of a backline.
“It looks as though they are going to be confirming (Cordoba’s signing) hopefully soon, according to reports in Bulgaria,” says Heart and Hands’ David Edgar. “I’ve heard from people I believe that they saw him at the game at Ibrox last week.
“He was left out for Levski’s match at the weekend. He was cleared as fully fit because he was in the squad but the manager didn’t include him.
“It’s said that the fee will be £3m for Cordoba. And he would be the first to arrive permanently in the summer.”
Rangers host Dundee at Ibrox tonight.
