Abdallah Sima Rangers transfer 'stumbling block' thrown up as Ibrox hero issues Ryan Kent anomaly warning

Alan Hutton can't see Rangers breaking the bank for Abdallah Sima.

The Senegalese striker has hit 15 goals in all competitions this season and is now away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations. Sima is on loan from Brighton until the end of the season and has been the pick of the bunch when it comes to Michael Beale's less than impressive clutch of summer signings, along with Jack Butland.

Philippe Clement's arrival has seen Sima really kick on and Gers are understood to be keen on a permanent deal if it can be done at an acceptable price. That's the key, although his value will be going up with every goal and the Seagulls know clubs with deeper pockets will be able to meet their asking price, which is reportedly between £7million and £8m. Former Ibrox defender Hutton acknowledges that they have paid that sort of money before, but reckons it could be prohibitive when it comes to signing Sima.

“I think if the price is right, they’ll get him,” he told Football Insider. “I’ll be very surprised if Rangers pay between £10-15million on one player. I can’t see that happening, only if they get him for a price that they’re happy with.

“We’ve seen them spend huge fees in the past like when they paid £7million for Ryan Kent. These types of fees they have done sometimes, but anything above that I can’t see.

“I’m looking at Kevin van Veen, Lawrence Shankland – I don’t think they’re going to cost anywhere near that.

“Me personally, I want to see Sima stay. We’re starting to see the best of him. We know he can score goals, but that fee is a big stumbling block.”