Rangers will not be moving for Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie this window, with the Scotland forward instead set for a switch to Serie A.
The Ibrox club had earlier asked to be kept informed of any developments surrounding Bowie’s situation as they assessed centre-forward options.
However, that line of interest has now closed. After rejecting an initial €5 million offer earlier this week, Hibernian have accepted an improved proposal from Hellas Verona worth €6 million plus add-ons.
The structure of the deal means the Edinburgh side will not retain the full fee.
20% of the transfer sum is due to Fulham, where Bowie previously spent time, while a further, smaller percentage, will go to Raith Rovers, the club where his career began. Bowie is expected to travel to Italy tomorrow to finalise the move.
For Rangers, the outcome clarifies part of the striker market but does not alter their broader plan.
The club remain focused on bringing in a centre-forward before Monday’s deadline, with Ryan Naderi of Hansa Rostock still a leading target.
Negotiations there have proven complicated, with the German side reluctant to sanction a mid-season sale, despite previous claims they would not stand in his way of a big move, but Rangers continue to monitor the situation and are preparing a new bid for the striker.
Alongside that pursuit, Rangers are also exploring experienced loan options to bolster the forward line.
Motherwell striker Tawanda Maswanhise is another player who has been tracked by Ibrox scouts. While no formal move has been made, he could become a more realistic option if the Naderi deal fails to progress.
Outgoings remain part of the equation. Danilo’s future continues to generate discussion, with interest from Cyprus, Denmark and the Netherlands. Pafos have made approaches as they look to strengthen for their own title push, while Dutch side NEC have tabled a loan proposal – Copenhagen are also monitoring the situation.
Rangers preference is to secure a permanent exit for the Brazilian this month, allowing them to rebalance the squad and reinvest.
However, personal circumstances may influence the direction of travel. Danilo is currently with his wife following the birth of their child and has not travelled with the squad for tonight’s trip to Porto.
That situation, combined with his familiarity with Dutch football, makes a temporary move to the Netherlands an attractive possibility from the player’s perspective.
The coming days will be decisive. Rangers striker picture is in flux, but the Bowie option is now all but off the table, leaving attention fixed on Germany, Scotland and the loan market as the window edges toward its close.