Gijs Smal Rangers and Celtic crescendo approaches as FC Twente director rolls dice
In January, there were rumours of a January transfer to Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers, but FC Twente has extended an offer to left-back Gijs Smal.
The 26-year-old’s current contract expires in six months, but according to the most recent reports out of the Netherlands, a new one is on the table.
Gijs Smal, who is currently free to talk terms with other teams, has been linked to both Rangers and Celtic.
This transfer season, the Ibrox side is rumoured to be searching for a new left-back as Ridvan Yilmaz apparently prepares to move to Serie A club Verona.
Gijs Smal offered FC Twente contract
The Dutch newspaper Tubantia, which has been covering the Eredivisie team’s winter training camp in Spain, is the source of the Gijs Smal contract claims.
According to the report, Gijs Smal has already had a conversation over a new contract with the club’s technical director, Arnold Bruggink, and the player is scheduled to speak with his agent.
Remarkably, the article also names Ricky van Wolfswinkel, a striker for Twente who has a summer contract expiration.
Whilst there is no suggestion the Dutch forward has been offered a new deal, it is claimed that Twente have told the striker he will not be allowed to leave this month.
There is no such suggestion for Gijs Smal, who is affectionately referred to as Smaldini by the Twente fans, meaning a January sale has not been ruled out at this stage.
Rangers and Celtic in left-back hunt
It’s an intriguing development that both Rangers and Celtic are rumoured to be searching for new strikers and left backs during the January transfer window.
Although Rangers beat their Old Firm rivals to capture Wolves loanee Fabio Silva, there is currently no firm information regarding Gijs Smal’s situation.
Although it’s certain that FC Twente wants to keep the left-back, it’s still unknown if Gijs Smal will be sold during current transfer window if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
Rangers have been linked to a host of left-back options this month but if the club can secure a deal for Smal, it would allow the bulk of any Ridvan Yilmaz fee to be spent elsewhere in the squad.
Gijs Smal’s refusal to sign a new contract this month looks to be the catalyst for the problem that will likely reach a boiling point in the coming weeks when Twente must make a decision.
Rangers have been connected to several left-back alternatives this month, but if they sign Smal, the majority of any money paid for Ridvan Yilmaz might be used for other team members.
Gijs Smal’s refusal to sign a new contract this month looks to be the catalyst for the problem that will likely reach a boiling point in the coming weeks when Twente must make a decision.
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