Rangers’ chances already looked relatively slim.
But with a new report on Friday morning highlighting the sheer extent of the competition facing the Ibrox giants in pursuit of one of Europe’s most coveted young attackers, the odds of the 22-year-old ending the summer in Glasgow may have just gotten that little bit longer.
The departures of Abdallah Sima and Fabio Silva – albeit offset by Oscar Cortes’ return – have Rangers hot on the heels of a right-footed left winger who tends to wreak havoc when cutting inside onto his favoured boot.
Couhaib Driouech scored or assisted 16 Eredivisie goals last term. The talismanic, match-winning presence in a lowly Excelsior side who needed the play-offs to secure their top-flight status.
But have Rangers inadvertently made their pursuit of Driouech, via FC Update, that little bit harder?
Rangers unlikely to win Couhaib Driouech race
Cortes arriving for a second spell in Scotland has left RC Lens in the market for a left winger themselves. And French publication FootMercato reports that Lens have also identified Driouech as the man they want. Talks have already taken place, with an offer potentially just days away.
Things didn’t really work out for Cortes at the Sang et Or. Not that he was ever really given a chance. Lens president Joseph Oughourlian labels the Colombian an ‘exceptional’ talent but explains that former head coach Franck Haise simply did not share the same enthusiasm for a man who could set Rangers back £4 million later down the line.
Excelsior, meanwhile, are holding out for a similar sum for Driouech.
FootMercato add that, even with his contract expiring in 2025, the Rotterdam-based outfit are looking for £3.4 million. There is interest from Excelsior’s city neighbours Feyenoord as well as Spanish giants Sevilla.
Rangers are also training in the wake of Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven. Both of whom have been in discussions over Driouech since January.
PSV, meanwhile, still appear the most likely destination.
Driouech made no secret of his disappointment after a January switch to the Eredivisie champions was ki-boshed by Excelsior’s failure to sign a replacement. Six months on, the Philips Stadium remains the place Driouech wants to be.
Eredivisie star holding out for PSV Eindhoven switch
“The attacker would like to go to Eindhoven and is prepared to wait a while until an agreement is reached,” Rik Elfrink, the highly-reliable Dutch reporter, tells Eindhovens Dagblad.
“PSV has been interested in signing Couhaib Driouech for weeks, but has not yet reached an agreement with his current club Excelsior. His preference is PSV, although other clubs are also interested.
“PSV technical director Earnest Stewart is not in a huge hurry. PSV will start preparations for the new season next week and would like to have Driouech on board, but the first official match of the new season is not until August 4.”
Driouech is the second member of this Morocco Under 23 side to be linked with Rangers. Philippe Clement’s side are far further along, however, in their pursuit of RAF Rabat striker Hamza Igamane.
Another right-footed left winger on Rangers’ radar, meanwhile, is South African starlet Relebohile Mofokeng, a player likened to Brazil legend Ronaldo as well as Andres Iniesta.
