Jose Cifuentes to Rangers transfer 'practically' sealed as LAFC star told Ibrox can be 'gateway' to bigger tings

Jose Cifuentes' summer transfer to Rangers is 'practically closed' according to reports, as the LAFC midfielder is being tipped for big things at Ibrox.

Michael Beale and Co have been pursuing the Ecuadorian throughout the transfer window with negotiations ongoing with the MLS side for the enforcer's signature. Cifuentes has watched as the likes of Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese and Sam Lammers from Atalanta sealed moves to Glasgow while he has still been turning out for the Los Angeles side, including in big derby clashes. Beale has taken his side to pre-season camp in Germany and admitted there were still a few deals to be done before a massive campaign challenging Brendan Rodgers and Celtic for the title.

The Light Blues must also take on the task of reaching the Champions League group stage and could swoop the 24-year-old for a reported fee of £1m before crucial qualifying matches. Record Sport reported that a broad outline for a deal had been in place for months with Gers chiefs looking to thrash out the finer details of the agreement as LAFC don't want to lose out on a fee for their prize asset whose contract is up in the winter.

Now it appears Cifuentes is aware of the pathway he can be offered at Rangers with reporter Andres Ponce claiming the deal is all but done and that the player will now have a 'gateway' to a stronger league even after his imminent spell at Ibrox is over.

He said on Twitter: "Practically closed the José Cifuentes to Rangers of Scotland. The clubs have an agreement. Cifu will have its chance in European football, in a traditional club. It may be your gateway to a stronger league."