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Rangers in pursuit of exciting MLS midfielder

By Hikithe Achumi

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: José Cifuentes #20 dribbles the ball during a game between the Portland Timbers and the Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: José Cifuentes #20 dribbles the ball during a game between the Portland Timbers and the Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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Scottish Premiership giants Rangers are reportedly keen on signing Los Angeles FC’s scintillating midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

The 24-year-old Ecuador international has candidly expressed his desire to showcase his talents on European shores.

While Ecuador failed to progress from the group stages at the Qatar World Cup, the South American nation unveiled some of the most promising young players on the continent, including Cifuentes.

The “incredibly talented” central midfielder netted seven goals and provided eight assists during LAFC’s 2022 MLS campaign.

As Rangers look to bolster their engine room by partnering new signing Nicolas Raskin, Cifuentes could be the missing piece to narrow the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Cifuentes has admirers in the English Premier League, with Leeds and Brighton monitoring the situation.

However, Rangers remain in the hunt for the midfielder who nearly joined Celtic a couple of seasons ago. Cifuentes is open about achieving his childhood dream of playing in Europe.

“Yes, it is a wish,” Cifuentes said. “I do not see it as much as an ambition; it is something I dreamed of as a child.”

“If I left (last December) or this summer, I will take it in the best way. I think the club knows, and I have discussed it with them.”

Rangers in pursuit of exciting Jose Cifuentes

For now, Cifuentes remains focused on having a successful season with LAFC. “Now, I am here. And I am focused on having a great season.

We don’t know what will happen in hte summer. Right now, I have a responsibility here with my team. I feel calm. And I think you know that, while I am here, I will give everything.”

Cifuentes’ contract expires at the end of the year. Leeds reportedly bid £4 million a few months ago. It remains to be seen how much LAFC will demand now as the deal winds down.

Rangers are also monitoring fellow midfielders Hwang In-Beom of Olympiakos and Koln’s Germany U21 star Denis Huseinbasic. However, Dimitrios Kourbelis is set to sign a new contract with Panathinaikos.

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