Rangers look to have left it too late in their bid to sign Belgian winger Yorbe Vertessen, with the 24-year-old now on the verge of joining Red Bull Salzburg from Union Berlin.
Reports from Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad claim the Ibrox club made a move to secure Vertessen’s services but are set to miss out. They suggest that only a “huge charm offensive” could now change the players mind.
Salzburg had initially pursued a loan deal but are now expected to complete a permanent transfer worth around £3million.
An update from journalist Pieter-Jan Calcoen read: "Rangers FC incidentally tried to convince Yorbe Vertessen to move to Glasgow. Barring a huge charm offensive, the Scots are too late."
Vertessen is well known to Rangers’ technical director Nils Koppen from their time together at PSV Eindhoven, and played against the Light Blues during a captivating 4-4 pre-season draw last summer.
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The interest from the Scottish Premiership giants followed manager Philippe Clement’s decision to sanction Rabbi Matondo’s loan departure to Hannover 96 in the German second-tier.
The Wales international wasted no time making an impact, scoring on his debut in 2. Bundesliga, leaving Rangers eager to bring in a replacement.
However, their approach for Vertessen came too late, with Belgian sources confirming the player is all but set for a move to Austria.
Clement revealed after Sunday’s emphatic 4-0 home league win over Ross County that Rangers would look to try add to their squad before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Monday night.
He said: "Yes, of course, we spoke about that [targets]. They agreed they will try to go for those numbers."
