Kevin Kelsy is now just one step away from completing his move to Rangers from MLS side Portland Timbers, with the striker's visa the final outstanding hurdle before he can travel to Scotland.
The Venezuelan forward is expected to make the journey to undergo his medical once that process has been completed, with Rangers hopeful of getting the formalities concluded ahead of Sunday's trip to Pittodrie.
Kelsy's arrival has been edging closer in recent days, and the latest development represents another significant step towards the transfer being officially completed.
The visa is now the final stage before Kelsy can travel
Assuming there are no issues with that process, he will head to Scotland for his medical before aiming to sign his Rangers contract.
The club's intention is to have the deal completed in time for the striker to join up with his new teammates as quickly as possible.
Kelsy would become Rangers' 14th summer signing once his transfer is officially completed.
That follows the confirmation today of Kim Min-Su, who has become the latest addition to a dramatically reshaped Rangers squad.
Min-Su's arrival is another indication of the level of investment being made this summer by Andrew Cavenagh and the Gers’ board.
The South Korean has joined Rangers for £8.5 million, making him the club's second-most expensive signing of all time after Tore Andre Flo.
However, that record will only stand for a matter of time if Kelsy's move is completed as expected. He is set to leapfrog Min-Su in Rangers' transfer record rankings once his own deal is signed for around £9.5 million.
That makes the impending arrival of the striker another major financial commitment from the Ibrox hierarchy as they continue to overhaul the squad.
Rangers have big plans for Kelsy
Kelsy is not being brought in simply to provide additional depth in the final third.
The striker has been identified as an important part of Rangers' plans and brings a different profile to the attacking options already at the club, particularly after Yousef Chermiti’s ACL injury.
Standing at around 6ft 4in, his physical presence is one of the most obvious characteristics of his game.
He offers Rangers a focal point through the middle, while his athleticism gives him the ability to threaten defenders in behind as well.
That combination was a major part of the attraction when Rangers pursued his signature.
There has also been a natural comparison with former Rangers favourite Alfredo Morelos, although the similarities are more about the type of striker Kelsy could become at Ibrox than any suggestion that he is a direct replacement.
Morelos became one of the most important forwards in Rangers' modern history, scoring 124 goals for the club and developing into a prolific European performer.
Kelsy arrives at a different stage of his career, but his physical attributes and aggressive style give Rangers the opportunity to develop another imposing centre-forward.
His former Portland Timbers boss Phil Neville previously highlighted the raw ingredients Kelsy possesses, describing him as:
“Young, plus-6-foot, athletically like a machine. But he's still developing.”
Rangers are investing heavily in a player they believe has considerable room for further development.
The expectation will be that working in Scotland and competing regularly at a club of Rangers' stature can accelerate that progress.
Visa the final hurdle
For now, though, the focus is simply on getting the deal over the line. Kelsy cannot travel until his visa is completed.
Once that happens, the next steps are straightforward: travel to Scotland, complete his medical and sign the necessary paperwork.
Rangers are hoping that can all happen quickly enough for him to be in place ahead of the trip to Aberdeen on Sunday at Pittodrie.
His arrival would then take Rangers' summer recruitment tally to 14 first-team additions, with the club continuing to reshape almost every area of the squad.
Given the fee involved, Kelsy will arrive with considerable expectation on his shoulders.
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