Rangers' search for defensive reinforcements has taken on greater urgency as we near the second half of the summer window, but one player previously linked with a move to Ibrox now appears destined for the Premier League.
Rayo Vallecano centre-back Nobel Mendy was credited with interest from Rangers last summer as the club explored defensive additions ahead of the new campaign.
At the time, the Senegalese defender was reportedly valued at around €4 million, placing him within a price range that made a deal appear achievable.
No move ever materialised and Russell Martin and Rangers turned their attention elsewhere, signing Canadian defender Derek Cornelius on loan alongside Wolves colossus Nasser Djiga.
Russell Martin target value skyrockets
Twelve months on, Mendy's value has risen dramatically.
According to reports, Hull City are now in advanced negotiations to sign the 21-year-old, with optimism growing that an agreement can be reached for a fee in the region of £15 million.
It is a remarkable increase in valuation and highlights how quickly the defender's reputation has grown following his performances in La Liga.
Rangers need defensive reinforcements
The development also comes at a time when Rangers remain in the market for central defenders.
Derek McInnes is expected to strengthen his options before the transfer window closes, with the Ibrox club continuing to assess potential additions as they prepare for another demanding campaign.
While Rangers have been linked with several centre-backs in recent weeks, Mendy now looks to have moved beyond a realistic price range.
The club have signed Ben Godfrey on a loan deal with an option-to-buy, but with John Souttar heading for the exit door, Rangers are short on options at the heart of defence.
Hull face off with Rangers in transfer market yet again
Hull's activity in the market could also have wider implications for Rangers.
The Tigers have emerged as one of the busiest clubs of the summer and have been linked with several players who have also appeared on Rangers' radar.
Among them is Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, with Hull reportedly set to scout the Norwegian in Europa League action as they weigh up a move. Tromso are believed to value the midfielder at around £8 million, while Rangers, Danny Rohl’s RB Salzburg and Cardiff City have also been credited with an interest.
Hull have additionally been linked with Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin following the Belgian international's impressive performances at the World Cup, although no formal approach has been reported.
The club's have also swapped goalkeepers Jack Butland and Ivor Pandur this summer, while Kieran Dowell joined the Tigers in January.
The immediate priority for McInnes remains strengthening his defensive options before the window closes.
However, Mendy's rise from a player once linked with Rangers at around €4 million to one now closing in on a £15 million Premier League transfer serves as a reminder of how quickly opportunities in the market can disappear.
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