Benie Traore breaks Rangers transfer silence with cryptic agent demand as Sheffield United get shot in the arm

Forward Benie Traore has opened the door for a move away from BK Hacken this summer with both Rangers and Sheffield United reportedly chasing a deal.

The Ibrox club have been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast forward who has been in sensational form this season netting 15 goals in 19 competitive games this season - with reports in Sweden suggesting a £3 million bid has been turned down by the Gothenburg outfit looking for around double that fee. Hacken sporting director Martin Ericsson has already told potential suitors that they will have to break the record transfer fee received by the club to land the 20-year-old - which stands at £3.5million.

Despite the hardline stance from his club, Traore appears keen to make a move this summer with a switch to the Scottish Premiership on the agenda. Speaking to Göteborgs-Posten he put his trust in his agent to make the "best choice" - with the English Premier League new boys also monitoring the situation.

The attacker said: "I think you never know if you’re ready or not. You just have to dare to take the chance and see for yourself. I’m a football player, I’m ready for most challenges. In my head I can play anywhere! My agent will make the best choices for me."

The Blades have received a boost in their pursuit - with relaxed Premier League work permit rules allowing players taking a potential signing advantage away from Michael Beale. New Home Office rules governing the eligibility status of players from overseas to play in the English top flight.

International experience would have previously been considered during a move to Bramall Lane and would have meant Traore would not previously have qualified for a UK work permit. However, the Yorkshire Post report that hurdle has