Spiky Whittaker response, Puerta price set and Cantwell suitor opens door – Rangers transfer state of play
Philippe Clement's rebuild is shifting into overdrive with just days left in the summer window
Bayer Leverkusen will reportedly accept a fee in the region of £5million for fringe man Gustavo Puerta amid links over a move to Rangers.
It has been a busy summer for Philippe Clement and he has already bolstered his options with nine signings so far this summer - but is keen to add to his squad even further ahead of the August 30 deadline as the Belgian looks to challenge Celtic for the Scottish Premiership crown this summer. Colombia U20 international Puerta is reportedly on Rangers' radar with the versatile star - who plays primarily as a midfielder - attracting interest from across Europe.
Brondby, Blackburn Rovers and PAOK are also said to be chasing the 21-year-old this summer. Danish outlet Tipsbladet report that Puerta had been close to agreeing a loan move with a £5million option to buy with Anderlecht before the deal collapsed - with a similar offer expected to tempt the Bundesliga champions into a sale.
Rangers are also keeping tabs on Morgan Whittaker - and in the wake of Plymouth Argyle's 4-0 hammering from Sheffield Wednesday boss Wayne Rooney has bristled at questions over the future of the winger. Record Sport revealed the ex-Swansea man, who Michael Beale wanted when he was in charge at Ibrox, is back on the Light Blues radar.
Pressed on if the interest from the Scottish Premiership had impacted on the showing from the 23-year-old - who is valued at around £7million - the Manchester United legend told Plymouth Live: "The performance was a surprise to me but I don't think that's got anything to do with Morgan Whittaker's situation. Morgan has been really happy and shown no indications of wanting to leave the club."
In terms of outgoings, wantaway Todd Cantwell has seen the door left open by Trabzonspor boss Abdullah Avci amid mounting pressure. A draw on the opening day of the Turkish season following a Europa League qualifying defeat to Rapid Wien has already seen some punters calling for the boss to go.
Playmaker Cantwell has been tipped to reunite with John Lundstram and Borna Barisic at Trabzonspor - but no formal offer has been received at this stage. But Avci promised punters more new faces were on the way when speaking to the Turkish media: "Such changes in the squad will happen over time. It is necessary to win matches for things to settle.
"But changes are on the way. Trabzonspor will compete for the top. We will be in this race. Trabzonspor will not give up, and neither will I."