When Jose Cifuentes could sign for Rangers as Michael Beale lays out transfer timeline with one big caveat

Jose Cifuentes' move to Rangers isn't as close as it seems according to Michael Beale - but the boss stopped well short of denying his interest in the Ecuadorian.

Los Angeles FC midfielder Cifuentes is believed to be in talks over a move to Glasgow in what has been one of the worst-kept secrets of the transfer market over the last 24 hours. One of his representatives shared on LinkedIn that he was being given a VIP tour of Ibrox while Cifuentes set tongues wagging by liking a number of Tweets from Rangers fans congratulating him on the move that is yet to be formally announced.

Beale though moved to play things down as he said on Sky Sports: "The deal is not that close, if I'm honest. These things pick up speed in the papers. He's a good player but his contract runs til December. That seems a long long way away.

"We want to strengthen in all areas. The most important thing is we have a good pre-season, recruit well and tactically come back stronger. I'm really excited for this, I always knew the summer would be one full of energy. I was delighted with the arrival of Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell, I had guarantees from the board when I arrived about transfers and nothing has changed with that. I have full support from the board to drive this club forward, it is an exciting summer ahead."

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