GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Sheyi Ojo of Rangers FC acknowledges the crowd after the UEFA Europa League group G match between Rangers FC and Feyenoord at Ibrox Stadium on September 19, 2019 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Rangers are facing a serious financial obstacle in their attempts to re-sign winger Vaclav Cerny this summer transfer window.
The Ibrox club has been quietly exploring the possibility of striking a deal with Besiktas for the 28-year-old Czech international.
Cerny sealed a €5million move to the Turkish club just 12 months ago after impressing during a season-long loan spell at Rangers from German outfit Wolfsburg.
The winger had initially hoped to remain in Scotland, but those prospects collapsed when former sporting director Kevin Thelwell and sacked boss Russell Martin pursued alternative targets instead.
Rangers now regard that decision as one of many missteps made in the transfer market over the past 12 months and have made behind-the-scenes enquiries about the cost of correcting it.
While Cerny is believed to be open to a return, his employers at Besiktas are in no rush to let him leave despite bringing in high-profile attacking reinforcements.
Belgian international Leandro Trossard has already completed a £17m switch from English champions Arsenal, and the Istanbul club have been strongly linked with Ghana wide man Abdula Fatawu.
The crowded attacking options at Besiktas are expected to push Cerny further down the pecking order, yet the club still shows little urgency to move him on.
Cerny has three years remaining on his current contract in Istanbul, which is believed to be worth around £45,000 per week.
That wage level means Rangers would struggle to compete financially even if Besiktas were willing to make him available on loan in the coming weeks.
New Rangers boss Derek McInnes is therefore pushing forward with alternative rebuilding plans, with attacking and creative upgrades high among his priorities before the end of August.
The Ibrox club has expressed serious interest in Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, though they face fierce competition for the highly rated Norway under-21 international.
Reports indicate a rival £5.5m offer from Cardiff City has already been rejected, with Tromso holding firm at their £7.5m asking price.
Tromso sports director Lars Petter Kraemer-Andressen said: “There have been negotiations over the past week. We’ll see what happens, it could take a while. Several clubs are interested, but a lot has to fall into place for something to happen.”
He added: “If he’s going to move on, it has to be a club Jens wants to go to and we also have pretty high expectations for the price.”
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