AC Milan are attempting to complete the transfer of highly rated French defender Sankhoun Diawara after Rangers' interest cooled following the club's managerial change earlier this summer.
The teenage centre-back had emerged as a serious target for Rangers while Danny Rohl was in charge at Ibrox, with the club viewing him as a player capable of stepping straight into the first-team squad despite his young age.
However, Rohl's departure to RB Salzburg and the subsequent appointment of Derek McInnes altered Rangers' recruitment priorities away from the former France U19 centre-back.
Diawara set to snub Rangers for AC Milan
While Diawara remains on the club's radar, the move has lost momentum as McInnes focuses on reshaping the first-team squad ahead of the new campaign.
The Rossoneri are hoping to convince Diawara to move to Italy, although their plan differs significantly from the one Rangers presented.
Rather than offering immediate first-team involvement, Milan intends for the French youngster to begin his development with the club's Under-23 side before progressing into the senior squad.
Rangers' proposal was considered particularly attractive because it included a pathway directly into the first team.
At the time, the Ibrox club believed Diawara possessed the physical and technical attributes required to compete immediately in Scottish football.
Although the pursuit has cooled under McInnes, Rangers have not completely withdrawn their interest.
The defender continues to be monitored by the club's recruitment department should circumstances change later in the transfer window.
Rangers remain active this window
McInnes has already strengthened his squad with the arrivals of Ivan Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin, while Lawrence Shankland joined Rangers before the former Ibrox-midfielder’s appointment to the dugout.
Attention is also focused on completing Vanja Dragojevic's £4million move from Partizan, while Rangers continue to monitor Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl despite Cardiff City leading the race for the Norwegian.
John Souttar looks set to join the Bluebirds in a seperate deal, after being told he was surplus to requirements by McInnes.
Whether Rangers decide to reignite their pursuit of Diawara could depend on further movement within the squad and the availability of funds before the transfer window closes.
AC Milan appear to have moved into pole position for now as they attempt to secure one of France's most promising young defensive talents.
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