Rangers have finally struck a deal to sign top striking target Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese.
The Ibrox side have agreed a significant seven figure fee for the Nigerian international and they have managed to get the Italian side down on their £6.5 million valuation.
The 28-year-old is set to open talks with Rangers, have a medical and to seal his long-anticipated move to Scotland.
Record Sport exclusively broke the story Rangers had made a bid for Dessers at the start of last month.
Rangers went on to make several offers but Cremonese had played hardball on their prize asset.
They were demanding the money they paid Genk last summer but in the end had to take a hit.
The cards were stacked against Cremonese after their relegation from Serie A and the player made it clear he wanted to join Rangers.
It was then about trying to hold out for the best deal they could.
There had been a bit of brinkmanship on both sides.
Rangers also tried in a cheeky cut-price deal for Brazilian striker Danilo but their offer was miles below Feyenoord’s valuation.
Dessers remained their preferred option and now that patience looks set to pay off over the coming days.
He has been a long-term target for Rangers who first came on to the radar under former sporting director Ross Wilson.
Saudi authority unveils roadmap for 2024 Hajj
The Saudi Arabia Ministry for Hajj and Umrah has in Makkah unveiled a roadmap for the 2024 Hajj.
The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, unveiled the roadmap at a ceremony on Friday.
The ceremony was attended by the Heads and Representatives of Hajj Missions in the Kingdom.
The meeting was to mark the end of the 2023 Hajj exercise.
Rabiah said that the preparations for the 2024 Hajj would begin immediately with the issuance of letters to each country that announced the commencement of preparations.
Rabiah added that letters of confirmation of the number of pilgrims slots for 2024 Hajj would also be issued to participating countries.
He listed the highlights of the 2014 hajj roadmap to include holding of preparatory meetings from September 16 to November 4, and organising an International Symposium and Exhibition on January 8, 2024.
He said: “Conclusion of Accommodation and Masha’er Contracts: February 25th, 2024, commencement of Visa Issuance in March, 1st, 2024, closing of Visa Issuance in April 29th, 2024 and arrival of 1st set of 2024 Pilgrims into Saudi Arabia in May 9, 2024.”
Al Rabiah stated that the first Hajj Mission to conclude all preparations would have the opportunity to choose its preferred locations at the Masha’er (Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah) for 2024 Hajj.
The Minister thanked all agencies and hajj missions for their roles in the 2023 exercise and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Guests of Allah in the best manner possible by obtaining feedback from hajj Missions and improving on its services.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the highpoints of the event was the announcement of winners for the 2023 Labbaikum Hajj Services award in which Iraq emerged the overall best hajj mission for the 2023 Hajj.
Other countries like Malaysia, Gambia, Bahrain, Singapore, South Africa and Azerbaijan were recognised for excellence in various aspects of the hajj operations.