Rangers are closing in on a deal for Colombian striker Juan Alegria – after more than a year-long chase.
The Light Blues are looking to clinch a move for the FK Honka striker, who they hope can follow in the footsteps of Alfredo Morelos.
Rangers could close a deal in next month’s transfer window but if they do they are likely to loan Alegria back out, with a return to Honka the most likely option.
The Premiership leaders have watched the Colombian market closely since they signed Morelos and the 18-year-old has been on their scouting radar since last year.
Rangers were keen on the Colombian Under-17 cap when it was confirmed he would be leaving Deportes Tolima earlier this year but there were issues such as compensation.
Alegria and his representatives were aware of Rangers’ strong interest but decided it would be better for the player to go and get experience in another European league, where the Ibrox club could continue to monitor his development.
There was interest from various Finnish clubs but FK Honka agreed to pay the training compensation that was determined by FIFA.
Alegria has already been a regular in their second team and made several first-team appearances, although his progress was slowed when the Finnish league was prematurely ended by the pandemic.
Alegria is seen as one for the future by Rangers.
Morelos moved along a similar path although he was slightly older when he left Independiente Medellin for HJK Helsinki.
He then moved to Rangers in 2017 and has been one of their top stars since.
El Bufalo became the club’s all-time European top scorer earlier this season, surpassing Ally McCoist's long-standing tally.
The 24-year-old is also a full Colombian international and has been the subject of several multi-million bids in his time in Glasgow, with French side Lille the last to make a serious attempt in the summer window.
