Besiktas are set to intensify their pursuit of Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz this week, according to reports. The 24-year-old was limited to just 26 appearances across all competitions last season only 16 of those in the Scottish Premiership due to injury. Although he has been involved in pre-season action, Yilmaz’s omission from Rangers’ squad for their crucial Champions League qualifier second-leg clash against Panathinaikos suggests he may be on his way out. Rangers hold a 2-0 lead ahead of tonight’s return leg in Athens.
Turkish side Besiktas have been linked with Yilmaz since the end of last season, and broadcaster KRT TV reports that talks were paused until after their own Europa League second-leg tie against Shakhtar Donetsk, where they are trailing 4-2 from the first leg.
Manager Russell Martin has been busy this transfer window, adding seven new signings so far and nearing an eighth. One of the latest moves involves 17-year-old Tottenham prospect Mikey Moore, who is expected to undergo a medical within the next two days ahead of a loan switch. Spurs’ new head coach, Thomas Frank, is eager for the youngster to gain regular senior minutes.
In another potential outgoing, former Ibrox fan favorite Ianis Hagi could be heading to Legia Warsaw if the Polish club meets a hefty financial demand. Hagi, now a free agent after ending his four and a half year stint at Rangers earlier this summer, has been identified as a target by Legia, now managed by his former Romania boss Edi Iordanescu.
However, Hagi reportedly rejected an initial approach, and his representative, Arcadie Zaporojanu, laid out the conditions required to seal the deal. “I spoke recently with Legia’s owner about Ianis’ move. The solution is simple he needs to pay up,” said Zaporojanu, referring to a £1 million signing bonus demand.
Zaporojanu also revealed that talks with Legia predated Iordanescu’s arrival, with an earlier offer falling short of the player’s expectations. The proposal included the signing fee and an annual salary of £600,000 structured to fit within Legia’s wage structure.
