Jose Cordoba 'signs' Rangers contract with transfer still to be thrashed out with Levski Sofia

Rangers have reached an initial agreement to sign centre-back Jose Cordoba, according to a report.

The Light Blues have been keen on the Panama international and had him at Ibrox to give him the VIP treatment as they beat Kilmarnock earlier this month. It was hoped a deal could be reached to bring the Levski Sofia star to Glasgow as Philippe Clement looks to strengthen his defence, among other positions.

It is now claimed by Panamanian outlet Tema Sport, and since picked up in Bulgaria, that Gers have had the player sign a "preliminary" contract after reaching an agreement. They must now thrash out terms with Sofia and agree on a transfer fee to bring the 22-year-old to the Scottish Premiership.

Bulgarian outlet Sport Live claim the Ibrox side are prepared to pay £3.2million which is above his club were thought to be originally looking for, so that would suggest it might not be to difficult to negotiate.

Cordoba has been with Levski for two years after making a loan from fellow Bulgarians Etar permanent. Prior to that he was with Celta Vigo, where he played only for the Spanish side's B team.

Rangers need to strengthen at centre-back with Leon Balogun out of contract and Connor Goldson both facing criticism from fans and being linked with a move away to play for Steven Gerrards' Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Ben Davies is although not thought to have a future and John Souttar could therefore end up as the only senior centre-back with youngster Leon King alongside him.