A couple of days ago Portuguese newspaper O Jogo published a story claiming Rangers are looking to sign three Benfica players. It was all, naturally, being pushed by Pedro Caixinha and his determination to get his Rangers squad closer to the level of Celtic.
Another Portuguese newspaper, Record, have an update in their Tuesday edition. To keep matters as simple as possible for the Caixinha trio, we’ve taken their updates a player at a time.
Dalcio
Rangers have submitted a proposal, and whilst the ‘white smoke’ to complete a move to Ibrox isn’t there yet, Record believe Dalcio is close to becoming a Rangers player. It’s an easy deal to do, with Benfica being happy to loan the 21 year old forward out, and there being no other rights holders to get in the way.
Daniel Candeias
A 29 year old winger, Candeias spent the last season on loan at Turkish club Alanyaspor. They have a buying option so could, in theory, ruin Rangers’ plan, although that isn’t expected.
Record say there’s no ‘white smoke’ just yet on him either, but point out Caixinha worked with the player at Nacional. As soon as the Alanyaspor situation is clarified, loan negotiations with Rangers can continue.
Fábio Cardoso
The central defender is perhaps the most complicated of the trio. There’s been some confusion over who owns Cardoso, Benfica or Vitoria Setubal, with the 23 year old spending last season at the latter.
Record attempt to clear it up for Rangers… both clubs own him.
Benfica and Setubal each have a 50% share of the player’s rights, and Record say Rangers have ‘practically everything agreed’ on a transfer, with confirmation not too far away.
It’s likely at least one of these players will end up in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers, and if Pedro Caixinha can get all three to Ibrox, he’ll feel he’s getting his squad closer to where he wants it to be.
