Rangers could miss out on a deal for Israel wonderkid Oscar Gloukh with Russian Premier League champions Zenit St Petersburg now in talks, the Maccabi Tel Aviv starlet’s agent tells Sport 24.
Them again. After breaking Rangers hearts in the 2008 UEFA Cup final, and then snatching Mateo Cassierra earlier in the summer, Zenit are back once more to haunt Ibrox dreams.
Oscar Gloukh, one of the most exciting young midfielders around, was watched closely by Rangers while firing Israel to the final of the U19 European Championships earlier this summer (Scottish Sun).
Now, it is important to point out that speculation has been thin on the ground since then. There’s nothing to suggest Rangers have made a bid, or even contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv. But it’s clear that they are keeping tabs on Gloukh, perhaps with the intention of making a move in a future window.
Zenit, however, could be about to scupper those plans before they’ve even got off the ground.
Is Rangers target Oscar Gloukh heading to Russia?
“Yes, there is a specific proposal from Zenit and negotiations are underway,” says Gloukh’s agent. “There are several more offers. Oscar is not interested in money as such. He wants to play and must play on an ongoing basis.”
A ‘special’ talent undoubtedly. There’s a reason why Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax have all been mentioned as potential destinations. But could Rangers really offer Gloukh the regular, first-team football he craves, or needs for that matter?
Zenit will be under pressure to prove that they too can provide such assurances. Agreeing terms with Maccabi themselves is proving to be a difficult task as well. The club from Tel Aviv, according to Israeli publication Ynet, have batted away an opening bid of around £3 million plus bonuses.
They reportedly want double. At least. Reports suggest that a fee in the region of £8 million may be enough to prise Gloukh away.
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