RIDVAN YILMAZ is reportedly a target for an Italian club this January.
The Turkish left-back, 22, joined the Ibrox club for £5million from Besiktas in 2022 but he has failed to tie down a regular starting spot in Glasgow.
2
He has played 13 games in the Scottish Premiership this season but has recently found himself getting more game time under Philippe Clement with team-mate Borna Barisic out injured.
The defender has started the last five league games in the absence of the Croatian and was involved in the 2-1 defeat to Celtic and received the Man of the Match award following his display against Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
He has now emerged as a potential key player for the Belgian for the rest of the season but the manager is also planning ahead with several January transfer targets on his radar.
SunSport understands that versatile Vitesse Arnhem star Million Manhoef – who can play on the wing or at full-back – has been scouted for the past 12 months.
read more rangers stories
Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner and PSV star Fredrik Oppegard have also been tracked by the Light Blues scouting team in recent months.
Clement is clearly keen to bring i another player for Yilmaz’s position, which could see him head for the exit door this month to make room.
And Serie A side Hellas Verona have now entered the race for his signature and are set to open talks with Rangers over a potential swoop in the coming weeks.
That’s according to Italian journalist Gianluca Marzio who claims Verona are keen to bring Yilmaz to Italy this month.
But as reported by another Italian outlet, Rangers have been credited with interest in one of Marco Baroni’s players in Verona.
Former Hibs starlet Josh Doig plays for the Yellow and Blues and he has been linked with a move to Ibrox this month as talk over a new left-back for Clement gathers pace.
The Light Blues are listed among the teams interested alongside Leeds, Monza and Torino.
The report regarding Yilmaz’s interest has no mention of a potential swap deal between both clubs but it’s likely the two teams will explore their options if there is indeed interest in both players.
It’s suggested that Verona are holding out for around £5.5million for Doig, which could prove too steep for the Gers to sign.
However, they could sweeten the deal by offering Yilmaz in the negotiations.
While Doig could be a replacement for Yilmaz, he has been tipped to take over from Barisic at Ibrox with the Croatian out of contract in six months time.
Clement also has Johnly Yfeko and Adam Devine who can be deployed at left-back but they’re two players who are being eyed for the future.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Ben Davies filled in for Clement when he had to live without Barisic and Yilmaz for their Europa League clash against Sparta Prague.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
