NafisaRangers’ transfer activity is showing no signs of slowing down as Derek McInnes continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new season. Having already strengthened several key areas, the Ibrox boss is now targeting further additions as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for major honours both domestically and in Europe.
While midfield reinforcements remain high on the agenda, Rangers are also searching for another attacking option after already bringing Lawrence Shankland to the club. One name that refuses to disappear from the transfer rumour mill is Hearts star Claudio Braga, who enjoyed a sensational debut season in Scottish football.
Fresh reports from both Portugal and Scotland have now provided a significant update on the striker’s future, while Rangers are also closing in on another exciting young signing.
Claudio Braga aware of Rangers interest
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Claudio Braga is fully aware of Rangers’ concrete interest, with the Hearts forward closely monitoring developments as Derek McInnes weighs up another move for one of his former players.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Rangers’ leading attacking targets after scoring 17 goals in all competitions during an outstanding first season at Tynecastle following his £400,000 move from Norwegian club Aalesund.
Should Rangers complete a deal, Braga would become the fourth major figure to swap Hearts for Ibrox this summer after manager Derek McInnes, Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin.
However, completing the transfer will be far from straightforward.
Football Insider reports Rangers are unlikely to match Hearts’ reported £9 million valuation, while Braga is also believed to be hoping for an opportunity to play in the Premier League or another top European league.
That financial reality means Rangers could struggle to compete if clubs from England or elsewhere on the continent formalise their interest.
Nevertheless, reports suggest Braga’s camp remains aware of Rangers’ admiration as speculation surrounding his future continues to grow.
Dragojevic deal edges closer
While Braga’s situation remains uncertain, Rangers appear to have made significant progress in their pursuit of Serbian midfielder Vanja Dragojevic.
According to reports in Serbia, Rangers have now agreed a fee worth around £4.6 million with Partizan Belgrade for the highly-rated 20-year-old.
The agreement is also expected to include a 10 per cent sell-on clause in favour of the Serbian club.
Record Sport previously reported that Rangers had seen an opening offer of £3.8 million rejected before returning with an improved proposal.
Partizan sporting director Radosav Petrovic has now hinted that a transfer is edging closer after Dragojevic was left out of the club’s pre-season fixtures.
“There are certain indications and I believe that in the coming days we will have more concrete information. It is an offer for Vanja Dragojevic.”
The midfielder has been identified as one of McInnes’ priority targets as Rangers continue strengthening the centre of the park.
Lewis Ferguson had also been admired by the Ibrox hierarchy, but Bologna’s reluctance to sell has forced Rangers to explore alternative options.
Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl also remains firmly on Rangers’ shortlist after publicly admitting he would welcome a move to Ibrox despite interest from Cardiff City and Besiktas.
Further midfield recruitment could ultimately depend on the futures of Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron, both of whom continue to attract attention following impressive performances over the past year.
With interest in Claudio Braga intensifying and Vanja Dragojevic now appearing close to becoming Rangers’ latest signing, Derek McInnes’ ambitious summer rebuild is entering another crucial phase as the Light Blues continue working to assemble a squad capable of competing on every front.
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