Rangers 'offered' Ridvan Yilmaz transfer exit back-up plan by Galatasaray as Twente aim to halt Gijs Smal deal

Rangers are bracing themselves for a battle for the signing of Rıdvan Yılmaz with Galatasaray now showing an interest in the left-back.

The Turkish international has failed to dislodge Borna Barisic as the first-choice left-back at Ibrox following his £5million move from Besiktas 18 months ago - with Gio van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and Philippe Clement all sticking with the experienced Croat. And with Barisic nearing the end of his Rangers contract Belgian boss Clement looks to be planning an overhaul of the position with Josh Doig tipped to leave Hellas Verona for the Scottish Premiership side.

Yilmaz had been linked with a loan in the opposite direction - and as a potential makeweight in a deal - but the Serie A side now face a challenge to get the deal over the line with the Istanbul giants reportedly showing an interest. Current first-choice left-back Angelino is set to return to parent club RB Leipzig on loan this month, leaving boss Okan Buruk searching for a replacement.

Ajansspor report that Yilmaz is viewed as a temporary solution to the problem position. It is stated that a loan offer will be put on the table to take him back to his homeland and kickstart his career. The search for a replacement is proving tough with former Hibs star Doig attracting interest from across Europe - with Ligue 1 side Marseille reportedly ready to lodge a bid with Verona. Gijs Smal has been viewed as an alternative - but FC Twente are set to play hardball.

Speaking at fan forum, technical director Arnold Bruggink confirmed that a new deal was on the table for the 26-year-old - who is free to speak to other club with his deal expiring in the summer. He said: “Gijs Smal has now received a proposal from the club.. He is of