Josh Maja and the Rangers transfer trump card as Joe Aribo ally turns potential dealmaker

Josh Maja is in demand this summer as he prepares to become a free agent - and Rangers could have the advantage in the signing race.

The former striker is available on a for nothing with his Bordeaux contract set to expire at the end of the month and Maja looks unlikely to stick around in France with a complex contract situation still to be resolved. An automatic one-year extension would have been activated had the French side earned promotion back to Ligue 1 - but they were denied on the final day in controversial circumstances.

Bordeaux are taking on the French Football Federation after their decision to make them forfeit their final game of the season against Rodez after a supporter entering the field of play to attack the goalscorer - when only a victory would have seen them return to the top flight. The club have offered Maja new terms - but he will reportedly knock the deal back with clubs circling after he netted 16 goals last term.

Michael Beale is reportedly among the former Sunderland striker's admirers, while Anderlecht and Real Valladolid are also said to be monitoring Maja. However, Rangers could hold the upper hand over their rivals.

Maja's agency Elite Projects Group has links with the Light Blues having brokered the deal that took Joe Aribo to the Scottish Premiership, while also representing former Ibrox kid Malcolm Ebiowei. Should Beale look to pull the trigger it could present a clear path to a deal.

Although Rangers are weighing up a move for the forward according to reports he is not the top target for the club, according to Voetbal Nieuws. Record Sport understands that Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers is top of the agenda when it comes to boosting the firepower at Rangers.

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