The Jefte to Real Madrid prophecy still looks off but he’s Rangers’ beacon of hope and proves Clement’s desire right

Clutching at straws has become a favourite pastime for Rangers fans in recent years.

And who can blame them? With so little to cheer about at Ibrox, it’s no surprise that punters have desperately tried to cling on to any shred of positivity. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s part of being a supporter. But you know what? When it comes to one of Gers’ new players, they - and gaffer Philippe Clement - might just be on to something.

At times in the last few seasons, it has felt like a cloud of darkness has engulfed the club. But there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for Rangers in young Brazilian left-back Jefte. Amidst a fairly turbulent start to the campaign for Clement and his side, the 20-year-old has been THE beacon of hope.

And fans have every right to be excited about this kid. When he signed from Fluminense in the summer, I sought the opinion of one of Jefte’s team-mates at loan club APOEL for our sister paper, the Sunday Mail. Portuguese winger Dalcio might not have set the heather on fire during an ill-fated stint at Ibrox.

But he was absolutely adamant that Jefte would excel in Glasgow. In fact, he even stated that - given the attributes he possessed - if he developed under Clement and put it all together, he could one day play at Real Madrid.

That’s the level of potential Dalcio saw up close in Cyprus. Obviously, the green half of the city laughed off that notion with the kind of glee they’ve got used to exuding when it comes to their Old Firm rivals.

Listen, even I had to check my notes again to make sure Dalcio had actually said it. Now, Jefte ever ending up at the Bernabeu alongside Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, might well be pie in the sky.

But his performances so far - even