'He'll cope there' – £4m Rangers transfer bombshell drops as target's close ally speaks out

The Romanian media are ramping up the hype around Steaua Bucharest midfielder Darius Olaru - with close ally and former manager Cristi Pustai talking up a potential move to Rangers.

The Ibrox side have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old, labelled 'the best player in Romania' amid a stunning season has seen him net 15 goals from central midfield. Reports have conflicted over his release clause but Sportpesurse report that it's as little as €5m (£4.1m). Genoa have also been linked heavily and the same outlet have carried an interview with Pustai, under whom Olaru played more than 50 times for Gaz Metan before his move to FCSB in 2020.

He was asked directly about interest from Rangers and Genoa. And he said: "I've always said about Darius Olaru that he's a player who can handle any championship, but he has to go and play. He's at the age where he has to do that, to also catch the national team. He has to be very careful about the choice he makes. It also depends on the conditions under which the transfer will be made. In the end, Darius must be aware that it is a decisive moment, when he has to choose."

Asked whether Rangers or Genoa would be better for his development, he fancies the Serie A switch as he added: "Considering that the other Romanians have started playing in Italy, I think Olaru will cope. I say he will cope. If he copes in Italy, then he can play anywhere. (The £4m release clause) is a small amount. If we also kept percentages on his sale from Gaz Metan, then it was even smaller."

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