French side Lyon are reportedly preparing an opening offer for Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti, but it is already expected to fall well below the Scottish club's asking price.
According to a report from FootMercato, the Ligue 1 outfit are readying a bid worth less than £17 million for the Portuguese forward.
That figure is understood to be some distance short of Rangers' valuation, with the Ibrox club said to want around £25 milliom before considering the sale of the 22-year-old.
It means Lyon would need to significantly improve their proposal if they are to tempt Derek McInnes and Rangers into negotiations over one of their most valuable assets.
Early Ibrox struggles
Chermiti's stock has risen considerably over the past year after a difficult introduction to life in Glasgow.
The striker initially struggled to justify his big-money arrival under former head coach Russell Martin, with confidence appearing to become an issue during his early months at Ibrox.
Club legend Barry Ferguson admitted the pressure of expectation was evident in the youngster's performances.
"At times, he looks like he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders."
Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo also urged supporters to be patient, insisting the transfer fee should not be used against the player.
"It's not his fault. He doesn't put the price tag on his head. Rangers spent that money because they think he's going to become something, which he might."
Change in Chermiti's Rangers fortunes
Chermiti's fortunes changed dramatically following Danny Rohl's arrival at Rangers.
The German coach, who has since departed for RB Salzburg, consistently backed the striker despite his early struggles and publicly expressed his faith in the forward's ability.
Speaking after Chermiti's breakthrough display against Celtic at the turn of the year, Rohl said: "You give him belief and trust. You can imagine for Youssef, it's tough for him.
“He knows he wants to score. It will come, I totally believe, because I see a lot of things in him. It was the Celtic game when he scored, he turned the game with fantastic goals, and he can do this again. I believe, totally."
That confidence proved well placed as Chermiti established himself as one of Rangers' key attacking players, dramatically increasing both his importance to the team and his transfer value.
With Rangers now placing a £25 million valuation on the striker, Lyon's reported opening offer appears unlikely to test the resolve of the Ibrox hierarchy.
Unless the French club return with a substantially improved bid, Rangers are expected to remain in a strong position to keep hold of one of their prized assets.
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