It’s been confirmed that Rangers are working on a deal to bring LAFC’s Jose Cifuentes to Ibrox, but previous sources were wrong to suggest that the deal was imminent.

Michael Beale is said to be interested in the Ecuador international midfielder, but there is ‘significant work’ still needed to be done to get the deal over the line.

Information which previously hinted the negotiations were sorted and he was on his way to sign appear to have been wide of the mark, and it’s understood that while Beale and Rangers are looking at trying to sort a transfer for him, it’s nowhere near as far along as was previously believed.

It’s not so much a ‘hitch’ it’s just that it’s a more complex transfer, particularly in light of work permits and visa, and Rangers have to wait for paperwork and red tape, not to mention fee.

If it’s one that can be done though, he’s a top player, and certainly of the level Rangers are looking for to add to midfield.

As we’ve discussed before, he very much models himself on Paul Pogba, and while the French star could be accused of underachieving a little, there’s no denying his talent and power in the middle when he’s on form.

Cifuentes is the same kind of dynamic midfielder, a strong and able box to box style which at just 24 has a lot of potential and years ahead of him, with a real sense he’s not yet had the platform to truly showcase how good he can be.

Rangers wish to offer him that, but it’s definitely not overly far progressed yet. Of course, the biggest hurdle remains disagreement on value – with the Ecuadorian worth around £15M but out of contract this winter, Rangers hope for a modest price for his signature to release him early.

Add that to the admin issues and bureaucracy and the deal has still got quite a few loose ends to tie up.