Jose Cifuentes permanent Rangers transfer exit in doubt as Ronaldo pulls Cruzeiro funding

The chances of Jose Cifuentes leaving Rangers for Cruzeiro permanently are hanging in the balance after Brazil legend Ronaldo pulled his funding in the club.

The Ecuadorian midfielder joined the Brazilian top flight side on loan in January just months after his move to Ibrox from Los Angeles FC. He failed to live up the hype in Glasgow after then boss Michael Beale described him as a game changer who could take the team to the next level.

Cifuentes' Cruzeiro debut was delayed by red tape and injury but he has been in action for them since. His loan side do have an option to make the move permanent but it now remains to be seen if they'll have the money to pay for it with Ronaldo ending his association with them.

R9 has been criticised by some fans for a perceived lack of backing and he has now pulled out.

Ronaldo said: "I know most fans are grateful to me and my team for putting Cruzeiro back on the national and international scene.

"My goal was reached. That was always the idea - to bring Cruzeiro back and, at the right time and then give it to the right person.”

New owner Pedro Figueiredo reckons it will take ten years to wipe out the clubs' debts.