With just over two weeks to go until the start of the new season, transfer talk is intensifying and reports have linked Rangers with a Double Dutch signing.
Joey Veerman and Danilo Doekhi are both expected to leave the Netherlands in the coming weeks and the players have spoken out on their intentions as well as the situation at their current clubs.
The chase for Joey Veerman is certainly capturing the imagination of Rangers fans at present with social media buoyant at the prospect of landing the 22-year old at Ibrox.
It had been thought that the Heerenveen player was close to a move to Hellas Verona, but there has been no further movement on that.
Veerman slammed the apparent €10 million asking price that the Frisian club have slapped on his head, whilst also refusing to rule out other moves, as picked up by many onlooking Rangers supporters, as reported by Voetbal International:
“I think the Italians have made a very reasonable offer, (reported as €5m) but when I hear what Heerenveen is asking, it can sometimes be a very different story.”
“Ten to twelve million? I think that’s crazy. After a coronavirus year with empty stadiums, money is pretty much gone everywhere.”
“But then they (Heerenveen) say ‘you still have a contract for three years – if it doesn’t work out this year, we’re going to enjoy you for another year and ask again next season.’
“I’m very sorry about that, because I’m ready for something else.”
Veerman added, much to Rangers interest:
“I’m having a good time in Heerenveen and I’m playing good football, but I’m just ready for a new challenge.”
“The plan was to find it this summer, but I wonder if it will ever happen. I’m disappointed about that.”
“There are several interested clubs that I am very positive about and Verona is one of them.”
Deal
It has now been reported in the Netherlands that Rangers have made an offer of around €4.5m for the talented Dutchman, up to 1 million less than the Verona bid.
Rangers are unlikely to be able to win a bidding war so it will depend of how much Veerman can be influenced and enticed by working under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.
A deal is there to be done.
In other news, Rangers continue to be linked with Vitesse Arnhem central defender Danilo Doekhi – Newcastle , Norwich and Fulham have also been named as interested parties toward the towering stopper.
The 23-year old spoke over speculation on his future, stating:
“In recent months, various clubs have shown interest, but nothing has been concrete so far – or clubs have come forward that I do not see as the best next step in this phase of my career.”
Doekhi was diplomatic in his comments, as reported by Glasgow Live.
“If there is nothing, then I have to focus on Vitesse. That is what I am doing now. If there is no dream club, or transfer, then that may be disappointing.”
“But I will not get stuck in that. Vitesse do not have to fear anything.”
The sticking point with this reported transfer is the six central defenders currently at Gerrard’s disposal.
It is unlikely that reinforcements will be brought in until at least one or two are moved on.