Rangers and their pursuit of a new frontline striker have hit a major obstacle, with a potential late-window deal for Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy now looking increasingly difficult to pull off.
The Light Blues are working against the clock to bring in attacking cover after Youssef Chermiti was sidelined for the foreseeable future with a devastating ACL injury.
While Ibrox chiefs opened talks with MLS side Portland Timbers over the 22-year-old Venezuelan international, key sources in the United States expect him to remain in Major League Soccer.
Kevin Kelsy to Rangers ‘very unlikely’ to go through
Speaking exclusively to Rangers News, Portland Timbers reporter Jeremy Peterman provided a clear assessment when rating the chances of the striker completing a move to Glasgow before the deadline.
Asked for the latest on the forward’s situation, Peterman stated it is “very unlikely he makes the move” to Ibrox in the final days of the window.
Rangers News has also been told that Rangers‘ initial proposal – a package worth $10million (£7.3million) – is significantly below the figure Portland Timbers would be willing to accept.
Addressing why negotiations have stalled, Peterman confirmed that the “quoted price is below what the Timbers would be willing to accept” to allow Kelsy to leave late in the window.
Unless Rangers return with a substantially improved offer that satisfies Portland’s valuation, the club will likely have to pivot toward alternate forward options on their shortlist as the deadline approaches.
It is also worth noting that Kelsy himself is not pushing for a move to Ibrox, as he is content at Portland Timbers in the MLS.
Meanwhile, Chris Jack is expecting a significant update regarding Rangers’ hunt for a new striker on Monday, 24 August.
The Rangers Review journalist has revealed that Derek McInnes‘ side are seriously considering an unnamed centre-forward alongside Kelsy.
With Kelsy to Rangers rated as very unlikely, it is best that the Ibrox outfit turn their attention towards the other mystery target.
McInnes’ side could also sign another right-sided winger before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday, 3 September.
