Rangers news bulletin as Gijs Smal transfer faces fresh Twente hurdle while Cyriel Dessers set for surprise call

Gijs Smal has been offered an improved contract offer by FC Twente amid links with Rangers.

The Dutch left-back is out of contract in the summer and the Eredivisie club appeared to have resigned themselves to the 26-year-old leaving the club either in this window for a cut-price fee, or in the summer when a free agent. Rangers were credited with an interest in the 26-year-old in the Dutch media, with Rıdvan Yılmaz believed to be on his way to Italy to sign for Verona amid Philippe Clement's Ibrox overhaul

Now Twente have moved to offer Smal a new contract at the club's winter training camp in the Costa Blanca in Spain and the player will now discuss it with his agent. And Twente technical director Arnold Bruggink has insisted he does not want to sell anyone this month. He said: "FC Twente want to play European football next season and that means doing everything we can to keep this squad together this month."

Elsewhere, Cyriel Dessers has been put on standby for the African Cup of Nations after Nigeria lost Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface to injury. The 29-year-old has struggled to impress fans so far this term but has still managed to score nine goals.

He was snubbed by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro for the African Cup of Nations despite being named in the original preliminary squad. However, Leverkusen striker Boniface has withdrawn from the squad with a groin tear which will keep him out for six weeks.

Peseiro decided to call up Nice striker Terem Moffi as his replacement, but because his inclusion came after the official deadline, his club Nice are under no obligation to release their player and could refuse his release. Rangers would also be able to deny the release of Dessers – but reports in Africa have