Rangers grant loan club deadline extension to sign forgotten star as they face losing £1million off asking price

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
GREEK side Aris have been handed an extension by Rangers to try and reach an agreement to sign Ecuadorian flop Jose Cifuentes permanently.
The 26-year-old made 29 league appearances for Aris during the season and became one of their key players as he helped them qualify for Europe.
Sign up for the Rangers newsletter
Sign up
3
Jose Cifuentes in action for Rangers
Credit: Willie Vass
3
Jose Cifuentes in action for Aris
Credit: Alamy
3
Jose Cifuentes in action for Rangers
Credit: Willie Vass
The Thessaloniki club originally had until the end of May to turn the loan move into a permanent one, with a £3 million fee as part of the original loan deal.
However, they have indicated to Rangers they want to renegotiate a deal to get the Ibrox side to lower their demands for Cifuentes to £2 million.
And reports in Greece have stated Rangers have now given Aris until June 15 to reach an agreement exclusively with them, or the deal is off.
They are also considering trying to persuade Rangers to extend his loan deal for another season if they cannot conclude a permanent transfer.
Cifuentes indicated last month he would be keen to stay in Greece rather than return to Rangers, where he made just six league starts.
He said: "I believe I have improved individually as the season progressed, but this is the result of teamwork, under the guidance of the manager.
"I am happy here and we will see what the future brings."
Cifuentes was signed by Rangers two years ago from Los Angeles FC in a £1.2 million deal and he still has two years left of his contract.
A major rebuild is set to get underway at Ibrox with the new manager being given a £20million transfer kitty this summer.
Three first-team players have already left the club including Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun and Tom Lawrence.
Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed
Vaclav Cerny returned to his parent club Wolfsburg and could be set for a move to Trabzonspor in a £9million deal.
Rafael Fernandes, who had an unsuccessful time at Ibrox with injury, has gone back to French side Lille.
Other players who could also be set for the Ibrox exit are Ridvan Yilmaz who has reportedly reached an agreement to re-join Besiktas.
Defender Robin Propper looks also on his way out of Glasgow returning to Holland to FC Twente.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page