Arne Slot reveals his transfer strategy for the upcoming transfer windows (Credits: Imago Images)
Rangers are closing in on the arrival of Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy, with the club hoping to have him ready for their upcoming Premiership clash with Falkirk.
The 22-year-old completed a medical and, barring any last-minute complications, Rangers expect to formally announce his signing from MLS side Portland Timbers on Tuesday.
Kelsy’s £9 million fee makes him the second most expensive signing in Rangers history, surpassed only by the £12 million spent on Tore Andre Flo some 26 years ago.
The striker said farewell to his Portland Timbers teammates last Wednesday ahead of his move to Scotland, with his departure long anticipated by those at the club.
A minor issue with his visa application temporarily held him up in San Francisco, though that problem has since been resolved and he travelled to Glasgow to finalise the deal.
Record Sport understands Kelsy could go straight into Derek McInnes’ squad for the Premiership fixture against Falkirk, giving the manager an immediate boost in attack.
He will become Rangers’ 13th signing of the summer, following the £8.5 million capture of South Korean midfielder Minsu Kim from Girona earlier in the window.
Rangers head into the Falkirk game with some momentum after Lawrence Shankland’s penalty secured a vital three points against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Despite reports linking the Ibrox club with Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo, Record Sport understands there is no concrete interest in the Fir Park player at this stage.
McInnes is still hunting a right winger before Thursday’s transfer deadline, with Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry firmly on their radar at an estimated valuation of around £10 million.
The 21-year-old was named on the bench for the Seagulls against Chelsea at the weekend, underlining his standing within the Premier League club’s plans.
Whether Rangers can conclude a deal for Cozier-Duberry may ultimately depend on any outgoings the club can complete before the window shuts on Thursday night.
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