Josh Doig deal set to be closed Friday night in race for Rangers January transfer target amid Ridvan Yilmaz exit update – Sky Sports

Josh Doig, a target for the Rangers, is expected to sign a contract with Marseille for a maximum of £4.3 million by Friday night (12 January), per Sky Sports.

The same afternoon, Nick Powell provided a live update from Italy on Sky Sports News, stating that the French team

was in advanced negotiations and that a contract extension until 2028 was “waiting for” the Scottish defender.

The left-back from Hellas Verona caught the attention of the Gers during the January transfer window. Meanwhile,

the Italians pursued Ridvan Yilmaz, the left-back from Ibrox, and appear to have lost out on signing the former Hibs

player.

Powell stated: “We have received news from our Italian colleagues that Marseille is in advanced negotiations to sign

Scottish player Josh Doig with Hellas Verona in Serie A.”

“They have extended the Italian club a maximum offer of £4.3 million. Marseille anticipates that he will complete the

transfer by this evening, and the player will have to sign a contract that will last until 2028.

“Ranger has also expressed interest in Doig, a Scotland under-21 international, and Verona is close to signing Ridvan

Yilmaz to replace Doig.”

The worst possible situation

It was almost too obvious that Doig was desired by the Rangers and Yilmaz was wanted by Verona when it became apparent.

However, from a Gers perspective, it doesn’t appear good if the Turkish international is about to leave Ibrox to

replace the Scot and the two deals will leave Philippe Clement without an incoming agreement of his own.

The Light Blues manager will only be able to use this development to create a void in his lineup for a new left-back,

which was already seemed to be on the cards, and maybe free up some salary.

Yilmaz’s transfer is only anticipated to be a loan [Sky Sports Italy, January 12], therefore Rangers won’t even be able

to use the much-needed money to buy a replacement this month.

Although the 22-year-old’s departure isn’t all that shocking in and of itself—he has generally pleased to deceive since

moving to Glasgow from Besiktas two summers ago—a temporary move without a replacement ready to step in

seems like a dangerous course of action.

If Clement hopes to compete for three more titles only on the strength of Borna Barisic at left-back, he will need to

act quickly to acquire a fresh, inexpensive specialist left-back unless he intends to utilize Dujon Sterling.

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