Rangers handed Luuk de Jong transfer hope as PSV fate 'sealed' while interest in wonderkid 'target' ramps up
Luuk de Jong appears to have played his final game for PSV Eindhoven after having the number nine shirt taken away from him.
Netherlands international de Jong is out of contract with the Eredivisie title winners and has been touted as a potential target for Rangers.
de Jong - once of Barcelona and Newcastle - had been training with PSV earlier this month on their return to pre-season training but did not travel with Peter Bosz squad for a camp in Germany.
Ex Ajax boss Bosz is now resigned to losing his captain and has moved quickly to bring in a replacement for the 34-year-old in the form of Borussia Mochengladbach's.
And de Jong's departure from the Eindhoven club has been all but confirmed with fellow striker Ricardo Pepi handed the number nine jersey by Bosz ahead of the coming season.
The USA star missed the final four months of last season with injury but is relishing the responsibly that comes with the shirt number. Pepi also hopes that de Jong will make the 'best choice' as regards to his next move.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: "It's a privilege. Many legends have worn this number at PSV. I'm taking on the challenge of writing my own history.
"Yes, [Plea] is a great player, of course. But I'm a great player too. I think [him coming in] is a good thing.
"There should always be competition. It keeps you sharp and that makes you a better player.
"I don't want to bother him [De Jong] at the moment, because I know he's figuring out what career path he wants to take.
"I'm sure the club has discussed it with him. I trust he'll make the best choice for himself. We've always had good conversations. We have a good relationship."
Meanwhile, interest in reported Gers target Pierce Charles has been ramped up.
Ibrox boss Russell Martin has hinted that he may look to bring in additional competition between the sticks for Jack Butland and Sheffield Wednesday star Charles is said to be on his radar.
However, The Star report that the Light Blues will face competition from down south and in Europe for the 19-year-old's signature.
Charles - who still has two years remaining on his contract with the Owls - made 13 appearances for Wednesday last season and has already won nine caps for Northern Ireland at senior level.
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