RANGERS are closing in on a deal for Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.
But Manchester United want to hijack their move for keeper Jack Butland.
GettyRangers are in talks to sign Cifuentes[/caption]
GettyBut Manchester United want to sign Butland permanently[/caption]
SunSport revealed last month Michael Beale had targeted Los Angeles FC star Cifuentes as part of his summer Ibrox rebuild.
Gers could now be on the verge of pipping French club Toulouse to the signing of the 24-year-old.
Cifuentes, who had previously been linked with Celtic and Manchester City, is under contract with the MLS side until the end of their season in December.
But LAFC are understood to be inviting offers for their star man rather than let him go for free.
Rangers chiefs have held talks with the player’s representatives in the past week as they explore their options.
And reports in Ecuador have confirmed discussions are reaching an advanced stage.
Meanwhile, SunSport can also reveal United are ready to double the salary offer made to former England keeper Butland by the Ibrox side.
The 30-year-old has spent this season on loan at Old Trafford from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
With his contract at Selhurst Park up in the summer, Gers boss Beale targeted Butland for a Bosman switch.
It’s understood Gers are willing to match his salary from the Eagles and hoped to lure him north with the promise of first-team action.
But now Erik ten Hag has decided he wants to bring back Butland as cover for David de Gea and Dean Henderson, who will return from his own loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
That means Butland must decide whether he wants to play regularly with Gers or bank more cash at Old Trafford.
United’s move could be a huge blow to Beale, who believed he was close to nailing his main target.
SunSport revealed last month the Gers manager was on the brink of making Butland his first summer signing.
The England cap had indicated his willingness to move north in the search of regular action.
He has made just 17 appearances in the last three years — and NONE this season.
However, he is now weighing up whether to significantly boost his bank balance or become Rangers’ new No 1.
Allan McGregor is expected to hang up his gloves this summer, while Jon McLaughlin’s future remains uncertain.
Robby McCrorie has started the last two Premiership games and kept clean sheets against Aberdeen and Celtic.
The 25-year-old is likely to get more action against Hibs on Sunday and in the games against Hearts and St Mirren.
But Butland was targeted as the first pick for next season and it looks like Gers will face a sweat to get their man.
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