Jefte to Rangers hits ANOTHER roadblock as APOEL pull key transfer lever

Rangers could be scuppered in a potential move for Jefte again by APOEL – as president Prodromos Petrides declared they plan on activating his release clause.

The Brazilian – who is on loan in Cyprus from Fluminense – had been set to arrive at Ibrox in January but APOEL blocked the recall clause as they demanded £500,000 to end the agreement early. Philippe Clement will be looking to add to his left-back options this summer with Borna Barisic set to leave the club at the end of his Ibrox contract. Reports are suggesting despite the collapse of the deal, the Scottish Premiership side had a verbal agreement with the Brazilian side to sign the star in summer.

However, after being crowned Cypriot champions Petrides has stated the club have informed Fluminense that they plan to activate their option to buy in Jefte’s loanee agreement. Previously the club supremo had hinted they may be priced out of a deal.

Speaking to Cypriot radio station Super Sport FM, he said: "We have until May 31 and there is room for the clause. We should have the player's signature.

"We have sent the message to Fluminense to exercise the right to acquire the player. It's not an easy deal to fund but we have covered huge sums for debts. We have a much better financial situation to manage."