Jose Cordoba is one name on every Rangers fan’s mind heading into the summer transfer window.
The big Panamanian defender, 22, is one of the names most prominently linked to the Ibrox side heading into what Philippe Clement has described as ‘quite a rebuild’.
Reports last week claimed that Rangers were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Jose Cordoba with the fee potentially reaching up to £2.5m.
But the Levski Sofia defender is a man in demand and that’s led to some in the player’s homeland suggesting a move to Rangers isn’t quite so cut and dry.
It appears that Rangers aren’t the only ones strongly linked with a move for the centre-back who has been described as the ‘best defender’ in Bulgaria.
Rangers in four horse chase for Cordoba
It’s no surprise Jose Cordoba is turning Rangers heads.
As the club puts an increased focused on their player trading model, signing a young Panamanian defender from one of Europe’s smaller leagues fits Rangers’ transfer profile.
It’s then about Rangers developing the centre-back and hopefully banking a substantial profit in the seasons ahead.
But Rangers aren’t the only ones trying to nab a Bulgarian bargain.
Turkish side Besiktas have been routinely name dropped, including by Panamanian journalist Jose Miguel Dominguez, who claimed Rangers were leading the pack.
The journalist also claimed that ‘half of Europe’ were considering the defender, who has impressed in Bulgaria this season.
Ligue 1 club Lille were linked by reports in Bulgarian publication Gol, backing up the suggestion that teams in France were interested in the centre-back.
The other side mentioned in the report is Belgian club USG, who Rangers fans will remember from the Champions League qualification campaign of 22/23.
Rangers target heading for Bulgaria exit
It certainly appears like Jose Cordoba will be on the move from Levski Sofia this summer.
Whilst Rangers fans will be hoping the Panamanian is coming to Ibrox, the left-sided defender is at the centre of interest from multiple teams.
It’s something which has not been missed by Cordoba’s current side, with Levski Sofia president Nasko Sirakov admitting a few weeks ago the club has ‘no right’ to keep a hold of the centre-back.
“There is serious interest in our players,” said Sirakov. “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.”
