Fabrizio Romano says Rangers are closing in on a move for LAFC star and Leeds United-linked Jose Cifuentes, with there being a “very concrete” possibility that a move could be done this summer – not just at the end of his deal.
Cifuentes, 24, is out of contract at the end of the 2023 MLS season – which sees his contract expire at the end of December. It means that clubs can land the Ecuador star on a pre-contract agreement now, or for a bargain figure.
MLS expert Tom Bogert reported back in April that Leeds, Rangers and Espanyol were in the mix to land Cifuentes. A player that has had a hand in 35 goals in his 121 LAFC outings from midfield, helping win the MLS title last term.
But it seems Rangers are set to strike a deal for Cifuentes. Football Scotland report that a pre-contract has already been agreed to take Cifuentes to Ibrox in January, after his deal ends on December 31. But he could sign earlier on.
With Leeds lacking midfielders themselves, despite the signing of Ethan Ampadu, Cifuentes is close to Rangers. It comes as Romano has told Give Me Sport that there is a “very concrete” chance for Cifuentes to join this summer.
“For Cifuentes they’re negotiating for a long time. So there are still talks ongoing. Also some crucial parts of the deal for the player side need to be wrapped, but this remains a very concrete possibility,” Romano told Give Me Sport.
Rangers closing in on move for Leeds United-linked Jose Cifuentes
Ampadu is a wonderful start for Leeds but more is needed in midfield. Romano took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to report that Edouard Michut is an option – after the Frenchman returned to PSG after a Sunderland loan.
But Cifuentes would have been a wonderful signing. It is believed that if Rangers do get him this summer, and not just on a free in January, they would only be paying a measly fee of £1.2m. Leeds should consider a late hijack.
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