Lyall Cameron deal agreed, £16m man returns – Rangers' dream end to transfer window
Less than a week remains of the January transfer window as Rangers look to pull off several shrewd acquisitions.
Despite what has been a subdued window, manager Philippe Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen are continuing to work behind the scenes ahead of Monday’s deadline. Their only signing so far has been centre-back Rafael Fernandes on a loan deal from Lille.
Meanwhile, Alex Lowry has left to join Wycombe Wanderers. Kieran Dowell, Robbie Fraser, Cole McKinnon, Leyton Grant and Kristian Webster have also departed Ibrox on loan. It’s safe to say that more needs to be done if they hope to close the gap on Celtic, who are 10 points ahead in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand. Among Clement’s other squad issues, Fernandes and Robin Propper are the only two first-team centre-backs the Belgian boss has available amid an injury crisis. However, as expected this time of year, there are plenty of transfer links swirling around which could still make this a fruitful month yet for the club.
READ MORE: Kieran Tierney deal agreed, £34m striker joins - Celtic's perfect end to transfer window
Lyall Cameron deal agreed
Record Sport exclusively revealed this month Rangers were working on a deal to sign promising youngster Lyall Cameron from Dundee on a free transfer. Cameron’s contract at Dens Park expires in the summer, which means a successful deal would see the 22-year-old midfielder arrive at the end of the season.
While completing his signing likely won’t have an immediate impact, it would no doubt be a shrewd addition, giving the Gers a head start for next season. However, getting him to join may not be straightforward, with the Daily Mail reporting that Aberdeen are attempting to persuade Cameron that a switch to Pittodrie would be better for him in the long term, with the promise of regular first-team football.
Meanwhile, Dundee boss Tony Docherty is still hoping Cameron will sign a new deal, with fellow academy graduate Josh Mulligan also approaching the end of his contract. Docherty said: "A couple have come back saying they’ll sign, others want to wait and that’s their prerogative. Lyall’s in that category. But I’m still hopeful.”
Nathan Patterson returns
Nathan Patterson made just 13 league appearances for Rangers before he was snapped up by Everton in a £11.5million (rising up to £16m) deal back in January 2022. Now he could be set to leave Goodison Park after a disappointing three years due to the Toffees being keen on signing a new right-back.
That comes as a boost to Patterson, whose former Everton boss Sean Dyche insisted was only allowed to leave if a replacement was found. He continues to struggle for game time, making just six Premier League appearances off the bench this season.
Reports suggest he is open to leaving Everton too as he searches for more game time in an attempt to catch Steve Clarke’s eye and return to the Scotland set-up. A homecoming at the Ibrox could be the right move for the versatile 23-year-old, as playing in an environment he already knows could prove key in regaining his form and confidence.
Nikola Katic comeback
Another former Rangers player linked with a return this month has been Nikola Katic. Swiss outlet Watson claimed Katic, who plays for FC Zurich, has received an offer from Rangers chiefs as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.
But Record Sport understands the player's representatives are unaware of any outreach from the Premiership side at this stage of the window. The Bosnian international is ready to leave Zurich, however, and was keen on a return to Glasgow, while sporting director Milos Malenovic admitted the path was clear for the 28-year-old to make his dream move.
However, Zurich boss Ricardo Moniz warned Katic he risks ending up in a "difficult situation" after being left out of matchday squads in a bid to facilitate a move. No offers have yet arrived for Katic, who played at the Ibrox between 2018 and 2022.
Jefte interest rebuffed
Reports in Brazil claim Premier League giants Chelsea are among a number of clubs interested in Jefte. The left-back joined Gers from Fluminense for £700,000 last summer and has been one of the side’s most promising players since his arrival, which would make an exit so soon into his time in Glasgow a huge blow.
Record Sport understands that, so far, there has been no direct contact from Chelsea. But the player’s representatives have been in touch with Ibrox chiefs to inform Rangers that Chelsea are leading a string of suitors from England and Europe, who are currently keeping tabs on the left-back as they weigh up a potential swoop.
Should Jefte leave, his former Brazilian employers would also receive a 20% cut of the transfer fee. The 21-year-old has previously been vocal about his dream of playing in England, but losing him mid-season shouldn't be a scenario that's taken under serious consideration.
Left wing addition
The left-wing position is one in urgent need of some depth for Clement. Colombian Oscar Cortes has been persistently hampered by injury this season.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Matondo was on the verge of leaving Rangers this month, before his move to Coventry City collapsed. The 24-year-old former Manchester City youngster has also been linked with the likes of Sunderland and Ligue 1 side Nantes, indicating his time in Scotland is coming to an end.
Perhaps concerningly, there are currently no major transfer links regarding a left winger, though Tiago Gouveia refused to rule out a Rangers move in the future after Benfica closed the door on his exit last summer. Gouveia, who has played just three league matches this season, vented at the time: "I'm here every day waiting for opportunities. Sometimes it doesn't happen and the frustration is huge."
Former Gers star Ryan Kent, 28, could also be an option this January. Kent remains a free agent after being released by Fenerbahce in October, and Clement admitted he was an admirer while at Club Brugge.
