Rangers

Rangers hope to beat Basel to the signature of Brazilian midfielder Metinho after the Swiss club had an offer for the 22-year-old rejected following his loan spell from Troyes. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe says Leicester City centre-half Conor Coady's "eyes lit up" over the prospect of signing for the Ibrox club and the 32-year-old is eager to complete the transfer. (Daily Record), external

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes has confirmed he has returned to Rangers after Aris Thessaloniki could not raise the money needed to make the 26-year-old a permanent signing despite the Ibrox club extending the deadline and reducing the £3m fee following his loan spell in Greece. (The National), external

With no transfer agreed for Rangers 30-year-old Cyriel Dessers, AEK Athens head coach Marko Nikolic has insisted he is not worried about signing delays, telling Gazzetta, external that he still has plenty of forward options and that his priority is a left-back. (Gazzetta via The Scottish Sun), external

While AEK Athens are very keen on Cyriel Dessers - with the Nigeria striker having shook hands on a £30,000-per-week contract - a transfer fee has yet to be agreed, with Rangers hoping to make a profit on the £4.5m they paid for the 30-year-old in 2023. (Daily Record), external

Queens Park Rangers aimed a cheeky dig at Rangers following the Championship club's capture of 23-year-old Ghana midfielder Kwame Poku from Peterborough United for around £300,000 in compensation, the London club's X account announcing that: "Kwame Poku signs for THE Rangers", followed by a winking face emoji. (Glasgow Times), external

Romania legend Ilie Dumitrescu has revealed that Ianis Hagi told him he had turned down an offer with Legia Warsaw but is in advanced discussions with clubs in the top five European leagues following the 26-year-old midfielder's exit from Rangers. (Spotmedia), external

Newcastle United beat several Premier League rivals to the signature of 16-year-old Rangers striker Alfie Hutchison. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Brighton & Hove Albion forward Zebedee Lawson's agent has taken to Instagram to hint that the 16-year-old's transfer to Rangers is imminent. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire appeared on the BBC's Reporting Scotland programme to discuss Rangers' new ownership.

Here's the best of what he had to say:

On how far £20m of investment will go for Rangers:

"It will certainly help. Rangers have sizeable debts. Its wage bill is parallel to that of Celtic.

"The amount invested in players in terms of the total cost of the squad is the same, but the revenue generated by Rangers is around about £35 million less than that of Celtic, and that means that Rangers have been losing money.

" I think the previous board, they felt that they had reached the point where they couldn't continue to inject that money.

"So, now we've got Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Investments coming in, taking control, and that could potentially give the club greater direction. And of course, putting money in, which from the pronouncements that we've seen, is certainly going to help the playing budget."

On how Rangers go about bridging financial gap between themselves and Celtic:

"Celtic are in a very strong position financially. They've got over £70 million in the bank compared to Rangers having less than two, and this was before the announcement.

"So they do have a very strong position, Celtic, there's no doubt about it.

"I would say that they've been relatively cautious in terms of their investment in the squad over the past few years, and this has allowed Rangers to certainly catch up in terms of the amount of money being invested.

"I think what we really need to see at Rangers is money being spent smartly rather than large signings coming in.

"We've seen that be successful elsewhere, and we've also seen those clubs that have just spent the cash because they've got a new owner, they've got a new injection - that doesn't necessarily translate to ultimately what Rangers fans want, where being second in Glasgow is being nowhere."

On what re-registering as a private limited company, instead of being publicly listed, means for Rangers:

"Yeah, it won't affect fans at all.

"Instead of having the additional compliance costs of being a public listed company, and the shares weren't being traded on a standard market, it simply means that Rangers will revert to individual transactions between shareholders going through on a private basis. So it's nothing for fans to get worked up about."

Rangers hope to this week finalise a deal to sign Leicester City defender Conor Coady, 32. (Daily Record), external

Talks continue between Lille and Rangers over the potential transfer of Ibrox forward Hamza Igamane, 22. (Sun), external

Newcastle United have tied up a double raid on Rangers to sign youth players Alfie Hutchinson and Oliver Goodbrand, both 16. (Daily Record), external

Former Rangers chairman Sir David Murray reveals he urged the club's board not to sack manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2022. (Sun), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Lille are ready to switch their sights to fresh targets, despite the French club having held talks with the agent of Hamza Igamane and agreed terms on a lucrative three-year contract with the 22-year-old forward, after getting cold feet over Rangers' £15m valuation. (Daily Record), external

Having had an opening bid of £14.5m for Hamza Igamane rejected by Rangers, Lille are poised to make a second offer for the 22-year-old and £15-£16m, plus potential add-ons, will be enough to seal a deal. (TeamTalk), external

Hamza Igamane is very excited about the prospect of playing in Ligue 1 after a verbal agreement was reached with Lille, although Strasbourg and Rennes are also in the running for a transfer that could cost more than £12m. (Foot Mercato, external - in French)

Rangers remain in advanced talks to sign Leicester City centre-half Conor Coady and all parties are hopeful of concluding the 32-year-old's Ibrox switch early next week. (Football Insider), external

Dundee are still in the dark as to the compensation they will receive for Lyall Cameron, who has joined Rangers, and fellow midfielder Josh Mulligan, who has signed for Hibernian. (Daily Record), external

Legia Warsaw head coach Edi Iordanescu has revealed he has held talks with Romania midfielder Ianis Hagi but conceded the 26-year-old released by Rangers is out of his club's price range. (The Herald), external

Rangers have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated forward Zebedee Lawson, 16, from Brighton. (Football Insider), external

Rangers are set to retain three 17-year-olds within their academy under new ownership and structure to develop academy players, with midfielder Calum Adamson, centre-half Jack Wyllie and winger Max Cameron have all agreed two year contracts at the club. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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Out of contract at Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven striker Luuk de Jong, 34, would be "open" to joining Rangers. (De Telegraaf via Daily Record, external)

Rangers are waiting for Lille to bid for Hamza Igamane - but the Morocco striker is keen on a move to France. (Daily Record), external

Dor Turgeman has told Maccabi Tel Aviv he wants a move to Rangers amid rising interest in the Israel striker. (One, external - in Hebrew)

Rangers are keen to land Liverpool left-back Owen Beck but any move could depend on Ridvan Yilmaz being sold. (Daily Record), external

Czech winger Vaclav Cerny, who spent last season on loan at Rangers, has been told he is up for sale by Wolfsburg after talks with their new manager Paul Simonis. (The Herald, external - subscription required)

Read Friday's transfer gossip in full.

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We asked for your views on the signing of right-back Max Aarons and what his arrival could mean for Rangers captain James Tavernier.

Here's what some of you said:

Elaine: It's a start. Russell Martin clearly has knowledge of good players down south who can come in and do a job. Personally, I don't care if it's only a loan. You never know what'll happen by the end of the season.

James: Can see him playing right-back and Tavernier playing further forward or centre.

Matt: Fresh energy and different qualities. Hoping Tavernier will be used as a back-up only. Would like to see Aarons start at right-back and Ridvan Yilmaz, if he stays, at left-back. Optimistic of more fresh energy and quality coming in while ridding ourselves of the deadwood, like Robin Propper, Danilo etc.

Gavin: If Tavernier gets any game time this season it should be only if Aarons can't manage for some reason. Time to move along, he's served his time but his time is served.

Steve: While Tavernier is probably a better player going forward, he was found wanting so many times last season, especially at the back post. I hope Aarons is a more solid option at the back. Given this is our first signing under Martin and he has been brought in as a right-back, Tavernier surely can't remain as captain.

Peter: On his day Tavernier was a good servant and defender for us, but age has caught up with him and maybe he didn't have his best season last time, but he can produce something when needed. Aarons is only a loanee, who knows what can come of it if it's a really good season. Fingers crossed he doesn't have injury woes like some others. Things are now moving a bit better, let's hope the rest go through okay.

John: Tavernier is on his last legs, but he will be a record-breaker for a long time. Aarons sounds like he is quality. Good stuff.

Sally: If Aarons adapts quickly to Scottish football, his speed and strength undoubtedly pose a threat to Tavernier. Admittedly he has not scored many goals, but he can defend and gets forward quickly. It is up to Tavernier to produce his past form to keep his place. Nicolas Raskin has the potential to become a great team captain.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, PA Media

In 2020, Max Aarons' manager at Norwich City, Daniel Farke, said he wouldn't sell him - even for £100m.

Not so long ago, Russell Martin's first signing as Rangers boss was one of English football's hot prospects. There was even talk of Barcelona interest in the Englishman.

Three years later, the full-back was sold to Bournemouth for £7m.

Now he's out on loan from the English Premier League side for a second time, having spent the latter part of last season at Valencia.

But why did he fall out of favour at Bournemouth?

BBC Solent's Bournemouth commentator Jordan Clark says it's a bit of a mystery.

"When Bournemouth signed him from Norwich there were indications he was being brought in as successor to long-serving right-back Adam Smith," said Clark.

"He was handed a spot in the starting line-up and performed well. Andoni Iraola picked him ahead of Smith until he suffered a hamstring injury. He then struggled to regain his place from Smith who was playing really well.

"Martin's Southampton then made an offer for Aarons in the summer of 2024, which was rejected by the Cherries. Clearly something happened then because we barely saw him play for Bournemouth since.

"They signed Julian Araujo that same summer and Aarons slipped down the pecking order with central midfielder Lewis Cook preferred at right-back to cover when Smith and Araujo were injured last season.'

"To the best of my knowledge, neither Iraola or Aarons have revealed many details as to why he slipped down the order so quickly.

"He was called upon a few times last season due to injury problems before his move to Valencia and always performed really well.

"He was praised for agreeing to play 45 minutes in the FA Cup to help the Cherries on the same day he flew out to Spain to join Valencia, which shows a lot about his character and mentality.

"We only saw him in a back four at Bournemouth, but given the amount of running that was demanded of him I'm sure he'd be more than capable of playing in a wing-back role at Rangers.

"He's clearly a very talented player, but he just wasn't given enough of a chance to show it at the Vitality Stadium.''

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Rangers have opened talks to sign Peterborough United defender Emmanuel Fernandez, 23. (Football Insider), external

Lille want Rangers forward Hamza Igamane, 22, to replace Jonathan David. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Having played just 338 minutes with Bournemouth and Valencia last term, Max Aarons will be hoping for more game time on loan at Rangers.

The 25-year-old has primarily played as a right-back throughout his career but has also filled in on the left of defence at times.

After moving from Norwich to Bournemouth for a reported £7m two summers ago, Aarons went on play 20 times in the 2023-24 Premier League, starting 13 times.

His minutes were limited by injury, but the defender still ranked well across a number of categories when compared to fellow full-backs in England's top flight on a per-90 basis.

In the 2023-24 season, according to FotMob, external, Aarons ranked high for successful dribbles and fouls won, while his recoveries, tackle success and duel success were also positive.

However, the Englishman was at the lower end for aerial duel success, touches and pass accuracy.

How does that compare with James Tavernier, the man Aarons is likely to be competing with for the right-back spot?

Of course, the differences between playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League have to be taken into consideration.

And that will play a part in Tavernier vastly outperforming Aarons' 2023-24 numbers when it comes to on-the-ball work, including chance creation.

On the defensive side, Aarons comes out on top for successful tackles and possession won in the final third, but the Rangers captain ranks higher for blocks, clearances and interceptions.

Rangers fans, how do you feel about the signing of Aarons? And what do you think this could mean for Tavernier's future? Send us your thoughts.

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New signing Max Aarons was "on the radar of many clubs" and has "plenty of room for development" at Rangers, says sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The 25-year-old right-back has joined Russell Martin's side on loan from Premier League club Bournemouth.

Thelwell says Rangers believe Aarons will be an "important asset for the team" next season.

"He is a player who has been on the radar of many clubs in recent years," the former Everton director of football added.

"At only 25, he has experienced a lot in the game while also having plenty of room for development."

Head coach Martin described Aarons as a "wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success" for Rangers.

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Rangers' Old Firm win at Celtic Park in March was "one of the best football experiences of my life", says new chairman Andrew Cavenagh.

Hamza Igamane's thumping finish secured a first victory at Parkhead since 2020 for the Ibrox side, who were led by interim boss Barry Ferguson on the day.

Cavenagh said he "was lucky" to be able to attend the 3-2 win, which had about 2,500 Rangers fans in attendance after a period of no away allocations in the fixture.

"The past few months have been an incredible experience," Cavenagh added.

"I was lucky to go to the match at Parkhead and it was incredible. I learned a couple of new phrases and gestures when I was there, but it was a fantastic experience.

"It was the first match where our fans were allowed back in and we had 2,500 fans there, but they were incredibly loud and vocal in showing their support.

"It was one of the best football experiences of my life."

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons is in Glasgow finalising his loan move to Rangers after completing his medical, but there is no obligation for the Scottish Premiership club to buy the 25-year-old Englishman. (Sky Sports), external

Rangers are preparing to make an offer for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck and, while the English champions have held preliminary talks with the Wales 22-year-old former Dundee loanee over a new contract, the Ibrox club would prefer a permanent transfer. (Dave Ockop), external

Leicester City centre-half Conor Coady is eager to join Rangers and the 32-year-old is preparing to travel to Glasgow to finalise a transfer and, with a cut-price fee expected to cover the value of the one year remaining on his contract. (TeamTalk), external

Kwame Poku is poised to have a medical with Queens Park Rangers after the Championship club agreed a compensation fee with Peterborough United for the 23-year-old Ghana winger, who Rangers hoped to sign for free when his contract expires at the end of June. (Football Insider), external

Peterborough have agreed deals with QPR, Swansea City and one other unnamed club for winger Poku, with his present club due compensation despite his contract ending next week, and it is now the 23-year-old's decision as to who he signs for this summer. (Sky Sports), external

AEK Athens are finalising a fresh move for Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers after having a £4.5m offer rejected on Monday for the 30-year-old Nigeria international. (Record), external

Rangers have initiated contract renewal discussions with midfielder Nico Raskin as they look to prevent him from joining Aston Villa, but the Premier League club are open to paying the Ibrox club's valuation of the 24-year-old, which has risen from £25m to £30m following his Belgium appearances. (TeamTalk), external

Rangers have given the green light to the transfer of 24-year-old Wales winger Rabbi Matondo to Super Lig club Gaziantep, according to reports in Turkey. (Record), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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New Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe - who is also Leeds United chairman - shut down any talk of either being each other's feeder club.

Marathe, who is also a senior executive with the San Francisco 49ers, quelled any such concerns as well as worries that Rangers' European involvement could be threatened by their ties to Premier League side, Leeds.

"It would be a disservice to Leeds and Rangers to consider one a feeder club to the other," he said after Monday's extraordinary general meeting where the new owners' £20 million investment was approved.

"Consider them both closed-loop universes that deserve proper attention and nurture and care – we will designate and assign resources appropriately.

"But it's obvious that there are opportunities to learn from each other, whether it's commercially or competitively on the pitch.

"In my mind it's a real positive to have two clubs like that, but there's not one that is subordinate to the other. That would be a disservice."

Marathe also assured there would be no similar problems to those encountered by Crystal Palace, whose Europa League spot was in doubt before American owner John Textor – also a shareholder in French side Lyon – sold his stake in the London club.

"We have checked the box with those that we need to to make sure that if and when there was ever even a situation where there was even the perception of a conflict, we would solve that," Marathe added.

"That has already been solved, so we are good there."

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Vice-chairman Paraag Marathe insists the new investors are convinced they can deliver success at Rangers.

On Monday, Rangers' new American owners got approval to invest £20m into the club, marking a significant moment in the Ibrox club's fresh era.

Marathe, who is a key figure given, in his own words to shareholders, he "has a deep expertise in running sporting organisations and turning them around".

He is sure Rangers will be no different.

"The short, medium, and long-term goal is to win, and it's win the league, it's win cups, it's all of the above," he said after Monday's extraordinary general meeting.

"So do we think we have what we need to win? Absolutely. We wouldn't be here if we didn't.

"Definitely have big belief in Kev and Russell to lead the football side, and this is about building the right foundation, and it's about doing it intelligently and thoughtfully.

"It's not just about throwing money at it. Throwing money might solve something short-term, right? But this is about trying to build something that will last and outlast our 10 years with the club and keep Rangers on a great trajectory that it deserves to be on."

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Rangers are in advanced talks with Leicester City about 32-year-old centre-half Conor Coady, who is open to the switch to Ibrox with a year left of his current contract with the club relegated from the Premier League. (Daily Record), external

Relegated Southampton are open to letting £100,000-per-week goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale leave on loan, with Galatasaray and Rangers interested in the 27-year-old England international. (TalkSport), external

Rangers have set an asking price of £20m for Hamza Igamane, with Marseille and Lazio showing interest in signing the 22-year-old forward, but this figure could potentially be negotiated. (TeamTalk), external

Rangers have held talks with Peterborough United midfielder Kwame Poku and his agent as they look to convince the 23-year-old to move to Ibrox on a free transfer ahead of a number of Championship clubs. (Football Insider), external

Twente Enschede technical director Jan Streuer says they still want to bring 31-year-old Robin Propper back to the Dutch club from Rangers, even though they are close to signing Shakhtar Donetsk's Israeli centre-back, Stav Lemkin. (Glasgow Times), external

Rangers are keen on goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo, whose contract is about to expire with Sheffield Wednesday. (Sheffield Star), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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New Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh addressed the media following the extraordinary general meeting earlier today where shareholders approved the club's new American owners £20m investment into the club.

Here are some of the key questions and answers provided:

How important is Champions League football, both in a football and financial sense this season?

"Champions League is the goal that we're trying to get to in Europe every year. So every year our goal is Champions League.

"We have to get through three matches, or three sets of matches, that won't be easy, but it's the goal that's important. It brings more revenue and it will always be our benchmark."

How much do you relish the challenge of trying to depose Celtic as the dominant force in Scotland and what do you think of the rivalry?

"We relish that challenge.

"We're impatient, we're competitive and so we look forward to the challenge.

"In terms of the rivalry, I think rivalry is one of the things that make football great. And our rivalry with Celtic - Rangers wouldn't quite be the same without that rivalry. It's top five in the world.

"Boca, River Plate, Lazio, Roma, Celtic, Rangers, like those would be the three things that come to mind.

"So I think it's fantastic to have that rivalry and we look forward to the challenge."

What was it that stood out for you with Russell Martin?

"There are four criteria that we looked at for head coach...

"One, somebody that would coach what we think is the right style of play or game model. Two, who will build the culture in the way that we think it needs to be built. Three, who will develop talent. And four, who can win matches.

"And Russell was the standout across all of those metrics, unanimously, amongst our team, so we're thrilled to have Russell as our head coach."

Was your feeling from the outset that £20 million is a good kind of start to get you going?

"£20m is the amount of primary capital that we are putting in. We have been careful to not say we won't put more in and to not say we will put more in.

"When we think about the amount of capital that is needed, we look at it through three lenses.

"The first is what impact will it have and we think £20m into the club – and again, we're not being specific about where the £20m is going – we think £20m is the right amount this summer.

"And the other two lenses that we look though are FSR (UEFA's Financial Sustainability Regulations) and making sure we are running the club in a sustainable way.

"We are not looking for what I think of as the sugar high – come in spend some money, sign some players and try to win something and then you have the sugar crash that comes from that."

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New Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh addressed the media following the extraordinary general meeting earlier today where shareholders approved the club's new American owners £20m investment into the club.

Here are some of the key questions and answers provided:

Where were you when you got the call about Rangers?

"I was on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, outside a coffee shop, about to go to a Yankees game.

"I've known Rangers forever as a football fan, and so when the phone call came and said, would you have an interest, it was sort of a lightning bolt moment.

"I think three seconds later, I was on the phone with Paraag."

What was the immediate attraction when you got that call?

"There are many things about the club that are attractive, but the big three are the supporters, the breadth and depth of the fan base.

"It's just incredible. Not seeing too many other clubs in Europe that have this sort of scope and this sort of passion.

"Ibrox, we're obviously sitting here, an incredibly magical place, tough to come as an opposing player, and really magical to attend as a Rangers supporter."

What was it like walking through the doors for the first time?

"It's a physical experience when you walk upstairs. You walk up the marble stairs, and you walk the hall, the blue room, and the trophy room in particular.

"You can just sort of feel the history in the club, and there's just no other way to describe it.

"You walk in, and you instantly feel indebted to what has come before you, and yet you also have the desire to do everything you possibly can to not just continue the history, but also improve the trajectory."

What are the biggest challenges in the short-term?

"When I think about the short term, I guess I don't focus on challenges, I focus on opportunity, and we have what I believe are the right plans.

"We are beginning to have the right team in place, meaning the staff, I don't mean the squad, that will continue to change over the summer.

"So, I guess it's sort of a backwards answer, but instead of thinking about things that keep me awake at night, I think about the opportunity that's in front of us.

"This club has so much potential, and we're eager to take that sort of potential energy and turn it into kinetic energy.

"I would say that there's real work to be done. I think everybody is aware of that. Paraag and I are two of the least patient people that you'll meet.

"We're also incredibly competitive, and so we share our supporters' sense of urgency and so we are in both feet today, and we'll move this forward as fast as we can."

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Former chairman Alastair Johnston believes Rangers have been provided with "a great opportunity" after shareholders gave approval for the new American owners to invest £20m into the club.

At an extraordinary meeting in Glasgow, the four resolutions tabled were voted through with 98% of shareholder backing.

Johnston, now a non-executive director, urged the Ibrox club to seize the moment and "deliver" and to "not screw it up".

"My sense right now is this is all about opportunity," Johnston told BBC Scotland following the EGM.

"We've got a great opportunity here. Let's not screw up in terms of doing the wrong thing with the wrong people or whatever.

"It's about believing in a combination of our history, but also recognising that the world turns and we need to adopt new ideas and new thoughts.

"Over the last six months, I've become increasingly positive about the opportunity.

"It's now a question of delivering."

Image source, BBC Sport

AEK Athens are pushing hard to tie up a deal for Cyriel Dessers within the next 48 hours (Scottish Sun), external.

Croatian striker Matija Frigan says the Scottish Premiership would be perfect for him as Rangers and Hamburg are linked with the 22-year-old currently with Westerlo in Belgium. (Daily Record), external

Robin Propper will begin pre-season with Rangers this week despite a bid for the 31-year-old centre-half from his former club, Twente Enschede, but is expected to hold talks with new head coach Russell Martin before deciding on his future. (Daily Record), external

Lyall Cameron is set to miss Rangers' return to pre-season with a minor calf issue (Daily Record), external.

Wrexham and Stockport County are interested in former Wales and Rangers forward Tom Lawrence (Sky Sports), external.

Read Monday's gossip column in full.