The Rangers transfer lowdown on Jose Cordoba as £3m defender earns giddy status from man who knows best

Rangers would be landing a top defender on and off the park if they complete the signing of Jose Cordoba from Levski Sofia, according to former Aberdeen and St Johnstone defender John Inglis.

Inglis played for the Panama international defender’s current club Levski either side of two stints at Pittodrie and finished his career in Bulgaria with Botev Plovdiv before becoming an agent in the country. And he has sounded out his current client, midfielder Andrian Kraev, who is a team-mate of the Rangers target.

Philippe Clement is on the brink of securing a deal for the Central American. The Light Blues have agreed personal terms with the Panama international and are expected to thrash out a fee with Levski Sofia. Reports in Bulgaria have claimed that the fee could be around £3.2m but that would include future add-ons that are built into the transfer. The initial upfront deal is likely to be closer to £2 million.

The 22-year-old, who has 10 caps, is rated as one of the top defenders in Bulgarian football and that has brought him to the attention of Ibrox head of recruitment Nils Koppen. Cordoba, who plays left side of the defence, was at Ibrox for a VIP visit for the Kilmarnock game last month and since then Levski Sofia have left him out of their starting XI amidst growing interest.

And Inglis told the Scottish Sun: “I’ve spoken with Andrian about Cordoba. And he’s said not only is he probably the best defender in Bulgaria, a top pro and player, he’s also a great guy. They are big compliments from Andrian - and he is confident Cordoba would do well for Rangers or any other club if he is to leave Levski.”

Clement has made strengthening his Rangers backline his first priority this summer. Cordoba will be followed by a