Rangers targeting defender Cardoso
RANGERS are pursuing a deal to sign Portuguese central defender Fabio Cardoso. The Under-20 international switched to Primeira Liga side Vitoria Setubal last summer after four years with Benfica’s B team. Under contract until 2020, the 6ft 1in defender is likely to command a fee of around £1.25million. Poised for a clear-out of the existing squad to supplement his transfer budget, manager Pedro Caixinha wants to pitch the 23-year-old in beside veteran countryman Bruno Alves next season. As Sportsmail first revealed, Rangers retain an interest in Rashid Sumaila — known to Caixinha from former club Al Gharafa. Concerned over the Ghanaian’s likely fee and work-permit status, however, Cardoso now tops the list of players earmarked to partner Alves in a re-shaped central defence following the departure of Clint Hill and the anticipated exit of Rob Kiernan. Reports in Turkey claim Galatasaray are also interested in taking Alves back to Istanbul, where he spent three years with rivals Fenerbahce. Former Celtic and Fenerbahce
striker Pierre van Hooijdonk insists the 35-year-old is precisely the kind of player Rangers should be targeting, saying: ‘if Bruno is still the player in my mind, then that’s the kind of player they should be signing. ‘They are going to sign some older ones and there is nothing wrong with that, because Feyenoord signed Dirk Kuyt two years ago. ‘The main thing is they need to be fit. if they are fit, they can do a job for you. ‘But, if it becomes like a last move or a pension, then you have trouble.’ Caixinha has a limited budget and will try to shift players on to bolster the funds in pursuit of players such as Cardoso (below). eight Rangers players are understood to be available, with Barrie McKay yet to commit to an extension and Joe garner, Andy Halliday, Josh Windass, Matt Crooks, Harry Forrester and Kiernan also up for grabs. Former ibrox winger Peter Lovenkrands, meanwhile, is one of four former players returning to the club this summer as part of an academy reshuffle. The Dane, Stephen Wright, Andy Little and Brian gilmour will be utilised in various roles. Former interim boss graeme Murty will take on a role as head of academy coaching alongside his current post as development squad coach.