The Real Madrid to Rangers transfer that 'definitely' could be on as another idea spawns from Modric bombshell
Modric to Rangers looks pie in the sky for a number of reasons but could a former Real teammate be on the way?
There are about 200,000 reasons (per week) that Luka Modric to Rangers looks like pie in the sky stuff – despite top Spanish journalist Guillen Balague teasing it earlier today.
But the man inside that bombshell story reckons a deal for one cast-out Real Madrid teammate could 'definitely' be on.
It was claimed by Balague in a BBC column earlier today that Modric was asked the question by Ibrox manager target Davide Ancelotti and 'didn't say no.'
Conclusions from that were naturally drawn, but the man who dangled the carrot argues his wider point wasn't to suggest it might actually be on, but to demonstrate the pull that Carlo's son and long-term No .2 could bring with him to Rangers.
We caught up with him in the aftermath of the story on everyone's lips and asked a few follow-up questions.
And while he knows the astronomical salaries of Real's current squad – Modric alone earns around £200k per week – make any move to Ibrox imminent, there was one who he thought could 'definitely' be an option.
Our man Scott McDermott asked about out-of-contract defender Jesus Vallejo, who barely featured last season and is out of contract this summer.
And when asked whether he'd be a possibility, Balague said: "Definitely. But he hasn't played at all for Real Madrid and I don't know the level of players Rangers are looking at.
"Someone like him would be more likely than Lucas Vazquez, for example. But Lucas is in his 30's so who knows?"
Lucas Vazquez, you say?
The long-serving utility man was clearly a name on Balague's mind and he touched on the subject when explaining the Modric story that swept the headlines.
On Modric, Balague said: "I know Davide asked Luka and he didn't say yes or no. Listen, it's Luka Modric, so it's unlikely. But this is more a point about the capacity Davide Ancelotti has to link up with big names.
"Also, there are players he knows who have asked him to take them to Rangers. Now, if they are Real Madrid players - and I'm assuming they are - it would be impossible because some of the wages would be astronomical.
"I'm thinking about someone like Lucas Vazquez, for example. You would think the wages for someone like him would make it impossible for Rangers. But it's funny that - knowing what's happening - they're asking Davide."
You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.
We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres transfer nightmare as striker speaks out on future
Arsenal are keen to add a new striker to their squad ahead of next season with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko among the candidates for a move to the Emirates Stadium Arsenal look set to have a busy start to the summer transfer window with Mikel Arteta keen to add a number of new faces to his squad. The Gunners look set to make Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer. But away from him, Arsenal are keen to sign a new striker and plenty of options have emerged. Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is a leading name on their shortlist, as is Benjamin Sesko. Either way, Arsenal are set to spend heavily over the coming months. While there are a few new signings on their way to the Emirates, there could also be a few players bidding farewell to the Emirates. Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba have both been linked with sensational moves to Spanish giants Real Madrid. But will those deals come to fruition? Mirror Football takes a look at the latest transfer news and rumours from North London: Atletico Madrid express Gyokeres interest Arsenal could face serious competition in their attempts to sign Viktor Gyokeres. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have now joined the race for his services. It is claimed in Portugal that Diego Simeone's men will make an attempt to sign Gyokeres over the coming weeks. They are not the only side interested however. Serie A champions Napoli are also thought to be contemplating a move for the former Coventry man. On a positive note for Arsenal, Gyokeres' preference is apparently a switch to the Premier League. Who should Arsenal sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below Gyokeres speaks out Sticking with the Swedish forward, he has refused to say too much about a potential move to Arsenal. Speaking with team-mate Leo Ostigard, he said:"We will see. Nobody knows anything yet. I wish I had a more fun answer, but that's all I can say for now." Later in the conversation, as he was saying goodbye to his former team-mate, Ostigard then added with a hint of jest: "Viktor! Great talking to you. See you soon, and text me when everything is signed and sorted down in Arsenal." Gyokeres jokingly replied: "Yeah, yeah sure." Arsenal open Lewis-Skelly talks Arsenal are attempting to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly out of Real Madrid's clutches by making him sign a new deal. The defender has just one year left on his current contract at the club, something that the Spanish giants were hoping to take advantage of. But according to reports, Arsenal are keen to agree a new long-term deal with Lewis-Skelly. In doing that, they hope to avoid a similar saga that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold move to the Bernabeu.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
CALUM CROWE: Russell Martin's vision of footballing 'utopia' won't wash at Rangers. He will know that you either win trophies at Ibrox or you're deemed a failure
When Rangers were weighing up the credentials of all the contenders for their managerial vacancy, it was clear that Russell Martin ticked a lot of boxes. A talented and progressive young coach with a clear style of play? Check. Someone who knows the club and has experience of Scottish football? Check. Someone with a track record of improving and developing young players? Yep. Someone who is articulate, intelligent, and a natural leader? Again, check.
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Russell Martin looks set to win race to become new Rangers head coach
The former Rangers and Scotland defender was reported to be finalising personal terms after accepting the position, which became vacant in February when Philippe Clement was sacked. The apparently imminent appointment is the latest in a series of major developments at Ibrox. An American consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises secured a majority shareholding on Friday and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell officially began work on Monday. Thelwell stated on his first day that the recruitment of a new head coach would come to a conclusion 'in the coming days'. Outgoing Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti and former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard – who reportedly pulled out of the running – were also among the leading candidates. Martin has been without a club since being sacked by Southampton in December after a 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham left Saints bottom of the Premier League on five points after 16 matches. The 39-year-old had secured promotion in his first season in charge thanks to a Championship play-off final win against Leeds. The ex-Peterborough and Norwich captain began his managerial career in November 2019 when he stepped up from MK Dons' playing squad to take charge of his team. We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men's First Team Manager, Russell Martin. — Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 15, 2024 Martin steered the Dons clear of relegation danger before the pandemic struck and his side finished 13th in Sky Bet League One in what proved to be his only full campaign in charge. Martin moved to Swansea in August 2021 after the Welsh club made an official approach to MK Dons on the eve of their season opener, leading them to 15th and then 10th-placed finishes in the Championship before moving to Southampton. Martin's firm commitment to possession-based football drew some criticism as Saints struggled in the top flight and he defended his approach days before the fateful meeting with Ange Postecoglou's Spurs side. 'I get criticised for the same thing (as Postecoglou),' said Martin. 'About being stubborn and all that stuff. But if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy. 'I can't speak for him but we are also adapting. We adapt shape, approach, personnel, but with the same consistency about what is important for us, with the same concept of the game. We can't deviate too far from that otherwise we become nothing, really.' Martin now looks set to take his principles up against another purveyor of possession-based football and one of his predecessors as Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, whose Celtic side recently won their 13th title in 14 years. Although Rangers have only won three major trophies since emerging from the Ibrox liquidation crisis of 2012, Martin will have a good grasp of the fans' demands and expectations, which have been raised by the takeover and the promise of a £20million investment in the playing side. Martin spent the second half of the 2017-18 season on loan from Norwich at Rangers, playing under caretaker managers Graeme Murty and then Jimmy Nicholl. His appearances included a 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat and 5-0 loss against a Rodgers-led Celtic side as Rangers finished third in the Premiership.
