NafisaRangers have reportedly suffered a major setback in their pursuit of PSV winger Couhaib Driouech, with the Ibrox club now facing the prospect of missing out on one of their main attacking targets.
Derek McInnes is desperate to add more creativity and quality to his wide options before the transfer window closes, having already brought Daisuke Yokota to Glasgow.
The Japanese winger has become the latest addition to an attacking department that has struggled to consistently threaten opponents during the opening weeks of the season.
Driouech had emerged as another major target, with Rangers understood to have been preparing an offer in the region of £6million for the 24-year-old.
However, the Light Blues now appear to be facing serious competition from Spain, with Europa League rivals Celta Vigo reportedly moving into pole position for his signature.
The Moroccan enjoyed an impressive campaign for PSV last season, contributing nine goals and eight assists across all competitions.
That output has understandably attracted interest from elsewhere in Europe, and Rangers’ hopes of bringing him to Ibrox now appear increasingly uncertain.
According to a report from the Daily Record, Celta are confident of winning the race for Driouech, with Dutch sources suggesting a deal could be completed relatively quickly.
PSV are already understood to be looking for a replacement, further suggesting that Driouech’s departure from Eindhoven could be approaching.
Perhaps most worryingly for Rangers, it is claimed that PSV officials are aware the winger would prefer a move to Spain over a transfer to Scotland.
Driouech has not completely ruled out joining Rangers, but that preference could make it considerably more difficult for McInnes and the Ibrox hierarchy to convince him to choose Glasgow.
The potential blow comes at an awkward time for Rangers.
The Light Blues have made it clear that they need more attacking reinforcements after a frustrating start to the campaign, with their lack of creativity particularly evident during the 1-1 draw against Dundee United and the subsequent 2-1 Europa League defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Yokota has now arrived, but McInnes still wants another wide player and cannot afford to spend too long waiting for one target.
Rangers may therefore have to return to several alternative names previously linked with a move to Ibrox.
One option could be Jahnoah Markelo, who is reportedly available for a loan move from Coventry City this season.
Amario Cozier-Duberry could also emerge as another possibility, with Brighton believed to be prepared to consider offers of more than £5million for the winger.
Rangers have already explored the market extensively, but another target has also been identified in Italy.
The Gers reportedly saw an offer in the region of £8million rejected for Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis, with the Serie B club understood to be demanding more than £10million before considering a sale.
That could make Ghedjemis a difficult deal to complete, particularly with Rangers already spending heavily on their squad this summer.
Nevertheless, the need for another attacker is becoming increasingly obvious.
McInnes’ side have struggled to consistently create danger from wide areas, and the manager will be well aware that simply adding players to the squad is not enough.
He needs players capable of immediately improving Rangers’ attacking threat.
The Driouech situation is therefore one to watch closely over the coming days.
If Celta Vigo can convince the Moroccan that Spain is the right destination for him, Rangers may be forced to move quickly towards another target.
With domestic and European fixtures arriving in quick succession, McInnes cannot afford to enter the rest of the season with an attack that lacks sufficient depth and creativity.
Rangers have already shown a willingness to spend in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.
Now they need to ensure another winger arrives before the window closes — whether that ultimately proves to be Driouech, Ghedjemis, Cozier-Duberry, Markelo or another name entirely.
Nafisa
