Rangers have reportedly registered an interest in Stuttgart right winger Badredine Bouanani as they continue to explore attacking options before the transfer window closes but are set to miss out on the player before the move even gets off the ground.
According to Sky Sport Germany, Strasbourg are in advanced negotiations with Stuttgart over a loan deal for the French-born Algeria international, with Schalke no longer in the race.
Rangers are also interested in a loan move for Bouanani as Derek McInnes' side assess alternatives after their pursuit of Amario Cozier-Duberry suffered a major setback.
Rangers explore Bouanani loan
Bouanani has emerged as a potential option for Rangers with negotiations for Cozier-Duberry now faltering.
The 21-year-old is currently contracted to Stuttgart, but a temporary departure is being discussed, with Strasbourg understood to be leading the race.
Rangers' interest is understood to be secondary to the French side, who lead the race but the Ibrox club are keen on recruiting a right winger before Thursday’s deadline.
However, the winger's availability on loan could appeal to Rangers as they look to add further attacking quality without committing to another major permanent transfer this window.
Bouanani spent last season on loan at Lorient, where he continued his development after making his senior breakthrough in France with Nice following a youth career with the B team of Lille.
He faced Phillipe Clement's Gers in the Europa League and was "disgusted" when the Ibrox side hammered them in France.
The Algeria international is capable of operating from either flank and can also play in a more central attacking role.
Cozier-Duberry alternative
Rangers had made Cozier-Duberry one of their key attacking targets this summer, but their hopes of signing the Brighton winger have taken another blow.
Ben Jacobs reported that Middlesbrough are closing in on a loan move for Cozier-Duberry, with the 21-year-old also expected to sign a new Brighton contract before making the temporary switch.
Rangers previously had multiple bids rejected for the winger, including a reported £7.5 million offer, while Anderlecht also saw a £5 million bid turned down.
With Cozier-Duberry now seemingly heading for the Championship with Boro, Rangers are being forced to look elsewhere.
Cerny deal also looks unlikely
Rangers' other potential attacking target Vaclav Cerny is also looking increasingly difficult to land.
The Czech winger remains at Besiktas, with the financial terms required to bring him back to Ibrox proving a significant obstacle.
Cerny's reported wage package, combined with his Turkish tax position, would make a return extremely expensive for Rangers.
As a result, a move for the former Rangers loanee is now considered unlikely unless there is a significant change in the financial demands.
That leaves Rangers looking at alternative options, with Bouanani now emerging as one of the players attracting attention.
Strasbourg currently lead the race
Strasbourg appear to have the advantage in the race for Bouanani, with Sky Sport Germany reporting that negotiations with Stuttgart are already at an advanced stage.
The situation means Rangers would likely need to move quickly if they decide that Bouanani is the player they want to pursue.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, McInnes and the Rangers recruitment team have limited time to identify and complete any remaining additions.
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