Rangers face competition this summer should they intend to secure Aberdeen’s Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes after the Portuguese winger, 23, drew admirers from Premier League Everton, Burnley, and potentially promoted Middlesbrough, along with Championship side Hull, not to mention Old Firm rivals being mentioned in passing as well.
It has become apparent to the Dons that Duk is their most coveted asset, having enjoyed red-hot form since his switch from Benfica, and only 9 months after Barry Robson’s side netted him for a modest number from Portugal, the attacker could earn them a fortune this coming transfer window.
Does this price Rangers out?
Rangers cannot compete with any Premier League side for budget which means if either of Everton or Burnley are impressed, they will be first in line to trump Michael Beale for an offer, but of course, the Burnley angle has the added complication that Vincent Kompany’s outstanding Championship toppers are also said to be looking at the man Duk would be said to replacing; Ryan Kent.
Burnley have already secured around £150M income for promotion to the Premier League, which will stand them in good stead to make a bit of a fist of their return to England’s top flight, but if they can get a great freebie in the likes of Kent, they’d be very happy with that too.
Ultimately, we doubt they’d spend big on a rival to their current first choice in that slot, so Kent is more likely, but either way, they along with Everton and Premier League promotion hopefuls Boro are all looking at him.
In truth, even Hull’s budget far exceeds Rangers’ numbers, and while manager Michael Beale isn’t being too clear on what Rangers will have to spend, a lot of it depends on selling any players we can this summer, including any assets with value – Borna and Kamara are two obvious examples.
So when it comes to fending off rivals, especially from down south, Rangers’ main carrot of course is first team football and European football – both of which can be offered to all new signings, unlike anyone in the Championship or lower Premier League.
But money talks, and we’ll just see.