A big Glasgow Rangers twist has emerged over the Ibrox club's pursuit of a striker heading into the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
According to the Daily Record, 'club sources' have denied an imminent swoop for Mateo Cassierra is coming for Rangers.
The report claims that the £8m-rated gem will not be arriving at Ibrox any time soon as there is no deal in place for him to join, despite the player speaking about a potential move to Glasgow.
He was recently quoted as saying: “Personally, the priority is to be in Europe. I've been abroad for five years, in different countries and leagues. But as I say, we are in time to rest and now nothing can be ruled out”.
“There was also talk about Rangers. The coach (van Bronckhorst) knows me. There are possibilities.
"River is something that has been talked about a lot at the end of last week. But I don't know anything, a week ago we finished and the possibilities have to be seen."
Supporters will be gutted
Gers supporters will be gutted by this news as it does not bode well for the chances of the Premiership side landing the Colombian forward this summer.
Although they have not completely ruled out a future move for the attacker, the club sources have rejected the idea that he is an imminent target. This will give other teams, including River Plate, an opportunity to snap him up whilst the Light Blues decide what they want to do.
Fans will be frustrated if Rangers do miss out on a deal for the 25-year-old as his statistics from the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he would be a terrific addition to Gio van Bronckhorst's squad.
In the Russian Premier Liga, Cassierra produced 14 goals and four assists in 22 matches for Sochi, averaging a superb SofaScore rating of 7.29.
His goal record immediately stands out but his creativity from a number nine position is also very impressive. He managed to create four 'big chances' and provided 1.4 key passes per game as he showed that he can excel as a playmaker whilst also being a predator in the opposition's box.
This means that he would be a double threat at the top end of the pitch for Rangers with his ability to both score and create goals. Therefore, the fans will be gutted to learn that - despite his comments - the club are not closing in on the striker.