Ross Wilson admits the financial impact of Covid-19 could scupper Rangers’ bid to sign Ianis Hagi.
But the Ibrox sporting director hinted that both he and boss Steven Gerrard are keen to land the on-loan Romanian midfielder.
Hagi arrived from Belgian club Genk in January, with Rangers agreeing an exclusive option to buy the 21-year-old for an agreed price.
He made an immediate impact, scoring vital goals for the club against Hibs in the Premiership and SC Braga in the Europa League.
Wilson, who played a key role in the deal, revealed Hagi will be with Gers until the end of this season, even if the campaign is played to a finish in June or July.
And he’s adamant the player himself is keen on joining the club permanently, despite interest from the likes of Lazio.
But the director of football says they’ve yet to make a concrete decision on whether to take up their buy option – and admits the financial hit of coronavirus could have a bearing on it.
Wilson said: “Could the virus impact on our decision to take him? Possibly.
“But I think the bigger picture for us is the uncertainty of when the transfer window will open – and what the landscape will look like.
“Ianis has undoubtedly made a really positive impression on us. We’re in regular contact with him, myself, Steven, Gary McAllister and Michael Beale.
“We were really happy with him and he’ll be on loan to the end of season 19/20, whenever that comes.
“Rangers have an exclusive option on him but we’ve got a little bit of time before we need to take that.
“We’ve got a great relationship with him, his agent and his dad (Romanian legend Gheorghe).”
Noises coming from Hagi’s camp would indicate a willingness on his part to stay.
Wilson said: “He has found a place at Rangers where he feels loved. He can feel the size of the club and he loves the intensity, pressure of the crowd.”
