ALVES SET FOR EXIT TO ITALIAN MINNOWS

BRUNO ALVES is poised to leave Rangers to sign for Italian strugglers Benevento. The veteran defender is weighing up a move to the doomed Serie A bottom dogs, who have won just twice in the league all season. It’s believed Rangers are not yet aware of a formal offer for the Portuguese international, but they would not be difficult to deal with should one materialise. Thought to be one of the Ibrox club’s top earners, Alves would be required to take a hefty pay cut if he decides to return to Italy, where he used to play for Cagliari. Regular first-team football would significantly increase his chances of making Portugal’s World Cup squad for Russia this summer. However, the 36-year-old (below) would have his work cut out after Benevento set a record for the worst start to a season in any of Europe’s top five leagues by losing their first 14 Serie A matches. That sequence ended last month when a 95thminute equalising header from goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli earned them a 2–2 home draw against AC Milan. They have since given themselves a glimmer of hope after winning two games against Chievo and Sampdoria. Alves was carried off injured in his last game — the goalless Old Firm draw at Parkhead — and made 18 appearances for Rangers, netting once against Dunfermline in the Betfred Cup. But Pedro Caixinha’s marquee summer signing never fitted in at Rangers and both player and club look set to cut their losses. Meanwhile, Rangers will face Fraserburgh in their rearranged Scottish Cup tie on Wednesday, January 31, with the winners facing a trip to take on Ayr United.