Rangers' hopes of signing Amario Cozier-Duberry have suffered another blow after Middlesbrough emerged as the frontrunners for the Brighton winger.
GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs has reported that Middlesbrough are closing in on a loan move for Cozier-Duberry, with the 21-year-old also set to sign a new contract with Brighton before completing the temporary switch.
The development represents a major setback for Rangers, who had been pursuing the former Arsenal youngster throughout the summer.
Rangers previously saw multiple offers rejected for Cozier-Duberry, including a reported £7.5 million bid, as Brighton resisted the prospect of allowing the winger to leave on a permanent basis.
They also rejected a reported £5 million bid from Belgian giants Anderlecht.
Cozier-Duberry set for Middlesbrough loan
Jacobs' latest update suggests Brighton have now decided on a different route for the highly rated winger.
Rather than sanctioning a permanent departure, Cozier-Duberry is expected to commit his future to the Seagulls with a new contract before heading to the Championship on loan.
Middlesbrough are now closing in on that deal, meaning Rangers appear increasingly likely to miss out on a player they had identified as an attacking target.
The winger enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season, helping the club secure promotion from League One.
His form generated significant interest during the summer, with Rangers among the clubs attempting to secure his signature.
Rangers face decision on attacking options
The latest development leaves Rangers needing to reassess their options in the final stages of the transfer window.
Derek McInnes has already strengthened his attacking options this summer, but the club had continued to explore opportunities in the wide areas.
Cozier-Duberry had emerged as one of the most prominent targets, particularly after Rangers' previous bids failed to convince Brighton to sell.
A loan move to Middlesbrough would now appear to remove the most realistic route for Rangers to land the player this summer.
The situation could still change if the proposed Championship move breaks down, but Jacobs' report indicates that Middlesbrough are currently closing in on the deal.
Any potential move for ex-Ibrox loanee Vaclav Cerny also looks unlikely, with the Czech winger’s wage demands and Turkish tax position meaning his wage demands are outwith the Gers financial structure.
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