Rangers manager Philippe Clement has a busy summer ahead as he looks to reshape his squad for the upcoming season.
With several players out of contract and loans expiring, Clement is targeting reinforcements, and Colombian winger Oscar Cortes appears to be his first priority.
Cortes joined Rangers on loan from RC Lens in January but a serious injury hampered his playing time and forced the Scottish club to renegotiate the original loan-to-buy deal.
Clement Confirms Talks with Lens
“We are talking with Lens about what the situation is because his injury changes things,” Clement recently admitted. “He showed promise when fit, but it was a short window. We need to get the right price.”
The Rangers boss remained coy on the possibility of another loan deal, stating that discussions with Lens would determine the next steps.
Reports Claim Rangers on “Right Track”
Reports from South American media, including a piece by a leading ESPN journalist, suggested Rangers were close to securing a new loan agreement for the former Millonarios player.
Lens Seeks Adequate Fee for Young Talent
Lens, who invested heavily in Cortes last summer, is looking for a fair price for the highly-rated youngster despite his struggles in France.
Colombian Outlet Claims Agreement Imminent
The latest update comes from Colombian outlet Canal, which suggests an agreement between the two clubs could be reached within days.
“The Rangers board believes the price for Cortes’ continued stay must be reasonable,” the report reads. “Discussions are expected in the coming days to determine whether Cortes remains at Rangers or returns to France.”
The report adds that the next few days will be crucial in deciding Cortes’ future and could see him become Rangers’ first summer signing.