Rangers

Xavier Mbuyamba is on the radar of Rangers, Gent and English clubs after Volendam opened the door to a sale of the former Chelsea centre-half for £433,000 after the 23-year-old Dutchman refused to extend his current contract. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Twente Enschede sports director Jan Streuer says "a solution will have to be found quickly" after the £1.5m transfer of Robin Propper from Rangers stalled with the 31-year-old centre-half waiting to reach an agreement over the remainder of his Ibrox contract. (Record), external

Danilo scored and provided three assists as Rangers beat Dunfermline Athletic 4-1 in a closed doors friendly. (Sun), external

Zulte Waregem and Westerlo are both interested in taking 21-year-old Rangers centre-half Clinton Nsiala on loan. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Head coach Russell Martin says new Rangers signing Djeidi Gassama "is certainly an exciting player" who will get fans "on the edge of their seats".

The Ibrox boss also believes the winger will "add an extra dimension to our attack" - so what can supporters look forward to?

The 21-year-old scored 12 goals in 84 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, eight of which came last term.

A Paris St-Germain academy product, Gassama impressed at youth level for the Ligue 1 club and won two caps for France Under-20s in 2022.

Digging a bit deeper, what do his underlying numbers tell us?

When compared to fellow attacking midfielders/wingers in the Championship last season on a per-90-minutes basis, he has promising goalscoring stats for someone his age who was playing in a mid-table side.

Gassama's data also shows up well in successful dribbles, touches in the opposition box, and winning fouls, duels and possession, particularly in the final third.

Martin will want more from the winger in terms of chance creation, though, with just one assist provided in 47 appearances across all competitions last campaign.

However, at the age of just 21, the potential is there for Gassama to be a success.

On Rangers' latest signing, sporting director Kevin Thelwell said: "His attributes are well-suited to the challenges we'll face both domestically and on the European stage.

"He arrives with considerable experience under his belt at only 21. He is on an upward trajectory in his young career and we look forward to seeing him in action."

We asked for your views on the potential signing of Djeidi Gassama, who is expected to become a Rangers player soon, according to head coach Russell Martin.

Here's what some of you said:

Ross: Although it sounds like a good investment to get this kid, I would say Martin should be looking for established players more so than potential. There has been a theme so far that definitely leans towards the latter. However, he might be brilliant. We never know do we?

Josh: Seems like a good project, he could work with the way Martin wants to play! I just hope this now gives Rangers the urge to get rid of players who are just increasing the wage bill.

Brian: Gassama is a very exciting talent who will certainly excite Rangers fans and create panic with opposition defenders with his blistering pace and his desire to run at them. I just hope his end product is measured and his team-mates can anticipate his movement and final pass to create goalscoring opportunities. From what I've seen of him I look forward to seeing him in action in a Rangers shirt.

Allan: Why is he not through the door at Ibrox yet? That is my main thought. I believe if Martin thinks he would work at Rangers, then I am happy that he deserves a chance. There is no point in making criticisms of him or the manager until we see him on the pitch

Dave: You know what, I really do not know what to expect from this new footballing regime or new incoming players at our club, however from a business point of view I think the people that now have the majority of the say are possibly top notch. The concern is I'm not sure they, including Martin, are collectively getting it right. All of the new signings don't really give me the confidence we are going to win the league, in fact at this point in time our squad may have regressed in overall quality. I hope I'm wrong and Gassama and co can deliver the goods, because if not the supporting Bears will be down on the entire new regime like a ton of bricks, again! I suppose I'm feeling a little bit unsure about these signings and the head coach.

Jim: One assist in 47 appearances for a winger just about says it all for me. Doesn't sound like there's much of a final ball. Rangers haven't signed a name player for years now and it's looking like much the same.

Lille have offered Rangers £13m for Hamza Igamane, but the Scottish Premiership club are demanding £17m for the 22-year-old Morocco forward who would be a costly departure should he be sold before next week's Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. (La Voix Des Sports), external

Trabzonspor have offered just £1.5m to Rangers for 28-year-old Scotland centre-back John Souttar, according to Turkish outlet YS TV. (YS TV via Daily Record), external

Discussions are intensifying behind the scenes as Rangers work on agreeing a loan deal this week for 24-year-old Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. (Football Insider), external

Rangers have agreed a £2.5m deal for winger Djeidi Gassama despite financially stricken Sheffield Wednesday trying to drive up the fee, with only minor issues to be concluded before the 21-year-old heads to Glasgow to sign a four-year contract. (Daily Record), external

Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama is set to be handed a four-year contract, including an option to extend by a further year, by Rangers, while up to five players could be leaving Ibrox. (TeamTalk), external

Robin Propper's return to Twente from Rangers is being held up as the 31-year-old centre-half wants paid for the remainder of his contract with the Scottish Premiership club. (Tubantia), external

Beşiktaş have submitted a loan offer to Rangers for Rıdvan Yılmaz and the 24-year-old left-back has told his former club that he is open to a return to Turkey if an agreement can be reached. (Fanatik), external

Rangers beat an Italian club just promoted to Serie A to the signing of 23-year-old centre-half Emmanuel Fernandez, claims Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Trabzonspor are seriously interested in 28-year-old Rangers and Scotland centre-back John Souttar. (Ajansspor), external

Rangers head coach Russell Martin is happy with goalkeepers Jack Butland and Liam Kelly but has not ruled out making a move to add in that department as he assesses his options. (Chris Jack on X), external

If Rangers are to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, for whom head coach Russell Martin has bid while with two previous clubs, it is likely to be a loan given the Premier League club's £8-10m valuation of the 22-year-old who is also interesting Southampton. (Football Insider), external

Como winger Samuel Ballet, who was on loan to Zurich in his homeland last season, has revealed he has held talks with other clubs after the 24-year-old was quizzed about Rangers' interest in him. (The Herald), external

Amid reported interest from Rangers in Luuk de Jong, PSV Eindhoven head coach Peter Bosz admits the 34-year-old striker has still not made a decision on his future. (Daily Record), external

Panathinaikos head coach Rui Vitoria told his "tired" players their pre-season defeat by Braga was a warning to raise their game for next week's Champions League second qualifying round meeting with Rangers. (The National), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Russell Martin has been pleased with how his Rangers players are adapting to life under the new manager.

Danilo scored the Ibrox club's only goal as they played out a 1-1 draw with English League One side Barnsley at St George's Park on Saturday.

But Martin, who replaced interim boss Barry Ferguson this summer, insists his side are "in a much better place" than at the start of the week.

"We'll analyse this game properly but the week as a whole, however they feel about the game, has been brilliant," Martin told club media.

"You can see the spirit growing, it's been nice to see and the work they've done on the pitch as well. We leave this week in a much better place than we were at the start of the week and that's all you can ask for.

"Their willingness to try and their understanding is growing all the time."

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Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw with Barnsely in a pre-season friendly at St George's Park as forwards Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were again missing from the squad.

Both had missed last weekend's 2-2 draw with Club Brugge at Ibrox, with Dessers nursing an ankle knock and visa issues preventing Igamane's involvement.

New signings Thelo Aasgaard, Nasser Djiga and Joe Rothwell got their first starts in Russell Martin's side against the Tykes.

Danilo scored Rangers' only goal of the game deep into the second half but Barnsley levelled before full-time.

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Issues have been ironed out over the transfer of 21-year-old winger Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday to Rangers. (Joe Crann on X), external

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri was delaying Djeidi Gassama's transfer to Rangers, despite the 21-year-old Mauritanian having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical, as he was hoping to agree a sale of the club so the winger did not have to be sold. (Sheffield Star), external

Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri was stalling on the £2.5m sale of Djeidi Gassama to Rangers as he looked to lure in rival bidders. (Daily Record), external

Rangers winger Ross McCausland is a target for a number of clubs in England, Europe and Major League Soccer for a loan move with an option to buy. (Pete O'Rourke on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Summer signing Lyall Cameron "doesn't feel out of place" at Rangers and says he feels like he's been at the club "forever".

The former Dundee midfielder signed a pre-contract with the Ibrox club before new manager Russell Martin was appointed but he insists he has "fitted right in".

"I've only been here for three weeks but everyone's been so good to me that I've just fitted right in," he told Sky Sports.

"Even on the training pitch and everyone's been great and I'm just really enjoying it. I feel like I've been here forever.

"We've got a really big squad at the minute so it's difficult, it's challenging, it's really intense training because everyone's trying to make an impression to the new manager."

On how his life has changed since the move from Dens Park, Scotland youth international Cameron said: "It's been a massive change, just being at the training ground at Rangers, everything's just so much bigger.

"It's been a massive change moving through to Glasgow and everything, but it's been great and I just feel like I've fitted in straight away, I've really enjoyed it and I don't feel out of place.

"I wouldn't change it for the world."

Rangers are keen on signing 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on loan, but the Premier League club have rejected a bid from a Championship outfit while other teams are interested. (Alex Crook on X), external

Brighton have tabled a new contract offer to Rushworth amid interest in the keeper from Rangers head coach Russell Martin, who worked with the keeper at Swansea City. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Thirty-two-year-old goalkeeper Jack Butland's Rangers career is hanging in the balance. (Sun), external

Jose Cifuentes is determined to fight for his Rangers future despite having been left out of the squad that has travelled to their English training camp and the Ecuador midfielder has been brushing up on his English as he attempts to win over new head coach Martin. (Daily Record), external

Cifuentes and Rangers are ready to reach agreement on the final two years of the out-of-favour Ecuador midfielder's contract so the 26-year-old can find a new club. (Diario Expreso via Sun, external)

Rangers are weighing up a move for 21-year-old Hull City winger Abu Kamara on a cut-price deal amid the Championship club's ongoing financial issues and transfer restrictions. (Sky Sports), external

Winger Djeidi Gassama's move to Rangers from Sheffield Wednesday is close to being completed, with the 21-year-old agreeing a four-year deal. (Daily Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Rangers' transfer activity and how prepared you feel they are for their Champions League qualifier with Panathinaikos in two weeks.

Here's what some of you said:

James: I'm afraid they aren't prepared for this one and I'm not to sure they'll do well in the league this season. Not exactly over the moon with the choice of manager.

Josh: These games are always tough under a new regime, given the time and opposition. Russell Martin and the board have done all they can, it may be better for us if we drop into the Europa League anyway.

David: Rightly or wrongly, Martin will be judged by his ability to qualify for the Champions League. The new owners need Rangers to be a Champions League team to have any hope of bridging the gap. His signings so far don't scream Champions League material and the players he had to start with already proved they aren't. Huge task ahead. If he can get the squad through the qualifiers then the fans will follow, right now the jury is well and truly out.

Robert: At this moment in time we have no chance with an insecure defence, we need two solid centre-halves or we're done for. Time's running out on signings, so we would have to go with what we've got, although getting to the Europa League might give us time to register new signings.

David B: Far from ideal. The timing of this tie was always going to be a problem with the fairly lengthy process to appoint the new manager. Behind closed doors I imagine Martin already has a good idea of what the team will look like for these games. Needs to familiarise the players as much as possible. If we prevail against the Greeks then we will be much better placed for the next round.

Jim: Seems like a repeat of the Michael Beale days - signing supposedly talented young players from the lower leagues in England, and I expect the results will be the same. Underwhelmed at best, and fearing the worst. So disappointing after the hype of a takeover I personally didn't support.

Ross: We don't know until we get to the match really. We can talk all we want, but this will be the first real opportunity to see how the theory works in practice. I'm quietly hoping for a great game, but not totally optimistic about it.

Brian: I don't know how anyone can predict how these first couple of games will go as there are so many new players trying to integrate themselves into a new system with established team-mates who are also having to adapt, all under a new manager. All I want and expect to see is energy and a full-on approach with a mental toughness and a strong physical presence. The results will come and I am excited about the season ahead. I am not concerned about the distractions of Europe as I just want us to dominate Scottish football and win a treble.

Michael: We have done some decent business, now let's see how they all play together.

Rab: It will be miraculous if Rangers go through, the manager and the new recruits have little time to prepare for a game of this importance.

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Rangers are considering a move to take Josh Windass back to Ibrox, but Coventry City, Derby County and Norwich City are also admirers of the 31-year-old Sheffield Wednesday forward and there is further interest from Germany. (Sheffield Star), external

Ajax, Mainz and Rangers are monitoring Thierno Ballo and have made enquiries about the 23-year-old Austria winger from Wolfsberger. (Florian Plettenberg on X), external

Forward Luuk de Jong, 34, has returned to training at PSV Eindhoven amid links with Rangers. (De Telegraaf via Daily Record, external)

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Defender Nasser Djiga has "valuable experience" and "all the attributes" to thrive at Rangers, says head coach Russell Martin.

At the age of 22, Djiga, who has joined on a season-long loan from Wolves, has played in the Champions League for Red Star Belgrade.

The centre-back started all eight of the Serbian club's league phase matches last season, and their six group games during the 2023-24 campaign when he was on loan, and played a part in their league and cup triumphs.

Before that he played 21 times in the French second tier while on loan at Nimes from Basel.

Djiga played for Vitesse in Burkina Faso initially, and has eight caps and played at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

When Wolves signed him on deadline day in January, they described Djiga as having "great potential".

"We believe he has all the attributes required to thrive here at Rangers in the upcoming campaign and I am looking forward to working with him," Martin said.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell added: "He is a player with the necessary physical and mental profile to flourish both domestically and in Europe."

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In just 13 days, Russell Martin's Rangers reign starts for real.

The new Ibrox boss has been handed a tough task in his first competitive assignment - a two-legged affair against Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying.

The Greek giants will visit Govan on 22 July for the first leg of the second round qualifier, with the second match taking place in Athens on 30 July.

After that, it is straight into Scottish Premiership action with a trip to Motherwell on 2 August.

Since Martin's arrival, every Rangers signing has come from south of the border, with Joe Rothwell and Max Aarons joining from Bournemouth, Thelo Aasgaard coming from Luton, and Emmanuel Fernandez arriving from Peterborough.

Lyall Cameron is also included in the Ibrox side's list of five summer recruits, but the former Dundee midfielder had penned a pre-contract agreement before Martin and the club's new hierarchy were in Govan.

With the visit of Panathinaikos looming, we want your views on Rangers' transfer activity and how prepared you feel Martin's side are for competitive action.

Send us your thoughts

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Rangers are considering a move for Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama. (The Star), external

A deal to bring Gassama to Ibrox is moving closer to completion (Scottish Sun), external.

Rangers have had an initial offer for Southampton winger Samuel Edozie rejected (Football Insider)., external

Defender Leon King's proposed move from Rangers to Wycombe Wanderers is off after the 21-year-old stalled on the deal (Daily Record), external.

Rangers and Wycombe had agreed a fee for King (Football Insider), external.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have reportedly turned down all bids for Weslley Patati, 21, with Rangers believed to be interested in the winger. (Daily Record), external

Left-back Elton Fikay, 19, has sustained an injury in the run-up to Panathanaikos' Champions League qualifier with Rangers. (Herald - subscription required), external

Former Rangers coach Cameron Campbell has joined Thomas Frank's backroom staff at Tottenham Hotspur (Sun), external.

Read Wednesday's gossip in full.

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Findlay Curtis admits he was left "speechless" after scoring his first goal for Rangers in Sunday's pre-season friendly against Club Brugge at Ibrox, while Russell Martin assures he will give youngsters a chance.

Midfielder Curtis, 18, was the only player to last the 90 minutes during Martin's first game in charge and his efforts were rewarded with a neat equaliser for the hosts.

Moments after Mohamed Diomande pulled one back for Rangers, who were two goals down at half-time, Nedim Bajrami slipped in Curtis, who in turn coolly slotted home.

"I'm absolutely buzzing," he told club media. "I'm just glad to see it go in the back of the net.

"I did expect [the pass] actually. We've been working on that the full week. We've been trying to get players in and then just playing it into the next person, he played it into me and I put it in the back of the net.

"The manager's just been telling me to do what I normally do, bring energy, and I can't thank him enough."

Martin heaped praised on Curtis in his post-match press conference and insisted the door is open for him and his fellow academy graduates to play their way into his plans for the coming season.

"I'm really pleased for Findlay, he's athletically outstanding and so willing," the head coach said. "They all are, they have good character and they're desperate to play here.

"They're good young men with really good habits and that's testament to the academy. They come in with real fresh energy and are willing to try whatever we're asking them to do.

"One of the reasons we were brought here is to try and win, but also to develop some players for this club and pull up some players from the academy and give them opportunities.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on them, but they've been great.

"How much involvement they have over the season, I don't know. It will depend on what the squad looks like when the transfer window shuts, for sure, but at the minute they're making a real impact with the group and that's all you can ask."

Wolves and Burkina Faso defender Nasser Djiga, 22, has agreed to join Rangers on a season-long loan while Ibrox defender Clinton Nsiala has been told he can find a new club. (Daily Record), external

Lille president Olivier Letang admits the French club are interested in Rangers striker Hamza Igamane but says they are yet to bid for the Moroccan international. (La Voix des Sports - via Daily Record, external)

Rangers defender Leon King, 21, is set to sign for English League One side Wycombe Wanderers. (Daily Mail), external

French defender, 21, Clinton Nsiala is likely to leave Rangers this summer. (The Herald, external - subscription required)

PSV Eindhoven head coach Peter Bosz has discussed the possibility of striker Luuk de Jong joining Rangers with the veteran striker but hopes to keep the 34-year-old Netherlands international. (Daily Record), external

Twente Enschede have put a deadline of this week to bring their former captain Robin Propper back from Rangers. (Daily Record), external

Injury is keeping winger Rabbi Matondo out of Rangers' pre-season preparations. (The Herald, external - subscription required)

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We asked you for your views following Russell Martin's first game in charge as Rangers manager in Sunday's pre-season friendly against Club Brugge.

Here's what some of you said:

Anderson: Slow and somewhat steady from Martin, assuming these guys are first team ready. Would like to see the striker situation sorted, hopefully the Igamane money can fix that. Just don't waste it all on Vardy.

Pedro: Main thing I noticed; why was the gaffer not wearing a suit? Hope we're not going to move away from that tradition as always looked very decent.

Stephen: Thought we played better second half than first, we really need to get more players in ahead of the Panathinaikos game.

Duncan: Rangers were poor in the first half v Brugge but it was an improved display after the break. Substitute Bajrami in particular was very good. However, there's still loads of work to be done.

Andrew: It looks like Martin has given everyone a clean slate. Bajrami, Barron and Curtis grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Propper let it slip through his fingers. That's what pre-season friendlies are for.

The style of play was very clear and surprisingly, the team pulled it off very well. Exciting football ahead. We just need a decent striker.

Brian: Best not to over-analyse pre-season friendlies but Club Brugge are a very useful team with a solid European pedigree and they are a worthy opponent for Martin to start looking at players within the Rangers squad

It's so good to see Curtis getting a full game and a goal. I hope that is the last game we see Propper in a Rangers shirt as he symbolises everything that was wrong with the team last season - lack of commitment, weak mentality and no physical presence.

Chris: I'm really worried about this season. The signings have been so underwhelming. We Rangers fans appreciate the millions being spent but it looks like second and third hand sloppy players from English leagues. It's not the way forward.

David: Martin has a massive job to get rid of the deadwood who passed up their opportunity. We still look miles away from having a competitive squad.

The first half was the all too familiar hard watch but a much improved second half avoided a damaging defeat.

Things have got to get a lot better very quickly before we play Panathinaikos. Some clarification around Dessers and Igamane wouldn't hurt either.

Davide Ancelotti, who held talks with Rangers over the summer, has agreed to become the new head coach at Brazilian club Botafogo. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

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Rangers manager Russell Martin has hinted that both Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers could stay at Ibrox, despite being extensively linked with moves away from the club.

Since the end of last season - one without a trophy for Rangers - the strikers have reportedly been the subject of interest from multiple European clubs.

Neither Igamane nor Dessers featured during Rangers' first pre-season friendly under Martin's management, but the former Scotland defender says that is nothing to do with any potential transfer for either player.

"Cyriel was here," Martin said. "He's had a bit of an ankle problem but he was here watching.

"Hamza is a visa technicality. He was ready to come back this week, but he's had to wait for a different visa than what he received. It's out of our control. He's desperate to be back in and will be back this week.

"The squad is very big, there'll be people move on but you want to keep your best players. I'm looking forward to working with both."