A recent report from French outlet Foot sur 7 linked Rangers over a potential summer move for Thijs Dallinga. But According to Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur, the Gers are on the back foot now after Toulouse’s ambitious second bid for the free-scoring Excelsior centre-forward.
It’s been a quiet window so far for the Light Blues in terms of incomings. The only addition has been John Souttar, the former Hearts’ centre-half who penned a pre-contract agreement back in winter, whereas veterans like Connor Goldson, Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield have penned new deals to extend their Ibrox stint.
While the Gers are aiming for a new ‘number 9’ amidst links with Ross Stewart and Antonio Colak, Dallinga emerged as an option as well following an exquisite 36-goal Eerste Divisie campaign in Excelsior colours. He has been pivotal in The Kralingers’ Eredivisie promotion and a host of clubs, therefore, are circling like vultures to have him in their ranks.
The 21-year-old youngster progressed through the youth ranks of Emmen before breaking into their senior side in late 2017. He was then roped in by the renowned top-tier outfit Groningen, initially for their reserve squad. Dallinga was subsequently promoted to their senior side which, however, did not work out with limited first-team football. The attacker decided to run down his Groningen contract and joined the Rotterdam side on a Bosman.
Why Rangers Must Step Up Interest
Toulouse, the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side, had an initial offer of £1.7m rejected by his current employers. Although the former Netherlands U19 international is valued at around £4.3m, a £2.2m second bid depicts their intention and proactiveness to get the deal done in the course of time. Fellow French rivals Lorient, as well as Serie B outfit Genoa are also keeping close tabs on his situation and the growing interest, might allow Excelsior to play hardball before reaching an agreement with Les Violets.
Rangers, on the other hand, are sweating over the future of Alfredo Morelos who has entered the final year of his Ibrox contract. Persistent injury problems have refrained Kemar Roofe from securing a regular role and gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst must opt for reinforcements high up the pitch to avoid another season of striker conundrum amid fitness woes. He, along with first-team coach Roy Makaay, should utilize their Dutch connection to hijack the deal and the young striking ace, too, would find it easy to develop his skills in familiar surroundings.
