As Twente attempts to scuttle the Gijs Smal deal, Range...

As Twente attempts to scuttle the Gijs Smal deal, Rangers ‘offered’ Ridvan Yilmaz a transfer departure backup plan: See Now

Rangers are bracing themselves for a battle for the signing of Rıdvan Yılmaz with Galatasaray now showing an

interest in the left-back.

The Turkish international has failed to dislodge Borna Barisic as the first-choice left-back at Ibrox following his

£5 million move from Besiktas 18 months ago – with Gio van Bronckhorst,

Michael Beale and Philippe Clement all sticking with the experienced Croat. And with Barisic nearing the end of

his Rangers contract Belgian boss Clement looks to be planning an overhaul of the position with Josh Doig

tipped to leave Hellas Verona for the Scottish Premiership side.

Yilmaz had been linked with a loan in the opposite direction – and as a potential makeweight in a deal – but the

Serie A side now face a challenge to get the deal over the line with the Istanbul giants reportedly showing an

interest. Current first-choice left-back Angelino is set to return to parent club RB Leipzig on loan this month,

leaving boss Okan Buruk searching for a replacement.

According to Ajansspor, Yilmaz is seen as a stopgap measure to address the issue. It’s said that a loan offer would

be made to him so he may return home and launch his career. Due to Doig’s reputation as a former Hibs great,

Verona is facing intense competition in the transfer market. Marseille, a team in Ligue 1,

is allegedly prepared to make a bid. Gijs Smal was thought to be a possibility, but FC Twente is prepared to play

hardball.

Speaking at fan forum, technical director Arnold Bruggink confirmed that a new deal was on the table for the 26-

year-old – who is free to speak to other club with his deal expiring in the summer.

He said: “Gijs Smal has now received a proposal from the club.. He is of exceptional value to FC Twente.”