Rangers are reportedly struggling in their bid to land defender Adrian Mariappa.
Adrian Mariappa looks dejected after losing the FA Cup
According to the Daily Mail, Rangers’ move to sign free agent defender Adrian Mariappa has stalled since talks were held last month.
The Gers have already brought in seven new signings this summer, but manager Mark Warburton appears keen to add more new faces to recent signings Clint Hill, Lee Hodson, Matt Crooks, Joey Barton, Jordan Rossiter, Josh Windass and Niko Kranjcar.
With experience still needed in defence even after Hill’s arrival at Ibrox, Rangers hold an interest in signing free agent Adrian Mariappa – and the Daily Record reported last month that he had held talks with Rangers about a move to Ibrox.
Mariappa, 29, had turned out for Watford and Reading before a 2013 move to Crystal Palace, and after 49 appearances for the Eagles, the Jamaican international was released this summer.
Now looking for a new club, a move to Rangers seemed ideal; the Gers would get the veteran defender they need and on a free transfer, whilst Mariappa would get guaranteed first-team football and the opportunity to reunite with manager Warburton, having worked together at Watford.
However, more than two weeks have now passed since Mariappa’s talks, and the Daily Mail now report that Rangers’ bid to sign the defender has stalled and is in trouble.
It’s unclear whether Rangers can salvage the deal or not, but it’s worth noting that The Scottish Sun recently claimed that wages were a problem in the pursuit of Mariappa, whilst clubs in England are also keen to sign the player too.
Rangers may have to pay up to land Mariappa, or manager Warburton could instead look to other targets rather than continue with a stalling deal.
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