20-year-old is undoubtedly getting close to joining the Rangers as a substitute.

After loan team APOEL made an effort to find a replacement for the Brazilian, Rangers could be getting closer to signing Fluminense left back Jefte.

Rangers have been linked with so many left backs this month amid questions over the futures of Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz.

This summer, Barisic’s contract will expire, and Yilmaz is still rumored to be returning to Turkey.

Rangers are now circling for a new, long-term left back acquisition, and there are positive indications that a deal might be reached this week.

APOEL replaces Jefte, a Rangers target

Over the weekend, there were rumors circulating that Rangers had reached an agreement to sign Fluminense left back Jefte.

Since Jefte is currently on loan at APOEL in Cyprus, the transfer is a little more involved than it seems.

According to Protathlima in Cyprus, Sportime supports the allegation that APOEL will be liable for a price of approximately €500,000 (£425,000) from Fluminense if they decide to revoke his loan move.

Crucially, though, it is also stated that APOEL has decided to sign talented former Velez Sarsfield left back Lautaro Cano as a new left back.

According to reports, Cano is anticipated to travel to Cyprus shortly, most likely with the intention of taking Jefte’s place on this APOEL team.

The Argentinian, 21, is a former Argentina Under-17 international and his contract has expired according to reports in his homeland.

APOEL are now moving to secure Cano and make sure that Ricardo Sa Pinto has a replacement for Jefte secured quickly.

Given the escalating rumors in recent days, it appears that APOEL expects Jefte to be leaving shortly, with the Rangers being his likely destination. This is indicated by the signing of a new left back.

With three goals and four assists in 18 games this season, Jefte has proven to be a formidable offensive force at the age of 20.

Rangers have made an intriguing addition with this deal, and the news out of Cyprus indicates that APOEL has come to terms with Philippe Clement replacing them as their first-choice left defender.

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