RANGERS, who appeared to have dropped out of the competition to sign
Duncan Ferguson, have elbowed their way back to the front with an offer
of #3.5m for the Dundee United striker.
The 21-year-old Scottish internationalist is being pursued by various
clubs, in particular Leeds United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and, for a
spell recently, Bayern Munich, but the Ibrox side, who were first to
make a bid for the player widely regarded as potentially the most
exciting striker in the premier division, have now reinforced their
offer.
Over the last few days Leeds emerged as the club most likely to sign
United's biggest asset after they had confirmed an offer of just more
than #3m, a fee which was in excess of anything offered originally by
Rangers and then also the other interested parties. The player returned
home early from holiday at the beginning of this week giving rise to
expectations that an announcement was imminent. However, Leeds and
United will have to think again now that Rangers are back in the
picture.
The Ibrox club's manager was not available to comment, but the offer
has been made. Also, there have been talks between both clubs even
though United's chairman Jim McLean has indicated that nothing will
happen on the transfer front until he has had a summer break.
McLean, who also wants to announce his successor as manager as soon as
possible, always has said that he will not sell his players to Rangers,
but the enormity of the new offer might make him think again. In fact,
it is believed United may have asked that Leeds, should they be
successful in landing Ferguson, agree not to sell him on to Rangers.
Relations between Tannadice and Ibrox are not good -- Rangers were
fined #5000 by The Scottish League recently for having publicly declared
an interest in Ferguson -- and McLean may remain absolutely determined
not to do business.
Even though their offer is the highest -- in fact, if successful it
would be a Scottish record -- Rangers might not sign Ferguson, but the
saga has been given added spice.
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