Report: Club have already found replacement for £8.5m Rangers target, but there’s a problem

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Heerenveen have identified Deb Bosch prospect Ringo Meerveld as a replacement for Joey Veerman, but Rangers face a big problem to sign the midfielder, per Voetbal International.

Rangers are one of many hopeful sides monitoring Veerman’s situation at Heerenveen as Deadline Day begins to edge closer. Feyenoord are also keen to sign the 22-year-old, while Hellas Verona have already seen one offer rejected.

Veerman would like to leave the Abe Lenstra Stadion this summer if the right offer arrives, as he feels now is the time to embark on a new challenge. But Hellas Verona only bid €5m (£4m) earlier in the window, which Heerenveen swiftly threw out.

It now seems unlikely that Rangers, Feyenoord or Hellas Verona will offer Heerenveen a fee they deem suitable for Veerman. The midfielder offered nine goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season, and opened the new Eredivisie term with an assist last Friday.

Heerenveen are prepared for one of Veerman’s suitors to step forward with an acceptable bid. The Dutch side admire what Deb Bosch prospect Meerveld can bring to Johnny Jansen’s plans, and have an ‘extraordinary’ interest in the 18-year-old’s potential.

Eredivisie rivals Willem II also admire Meerveld, though, so Heerenveen may want Rangers, Feyenoord or Hellas Verona to come forward for Veerman soon to avoid Jansen being left short. But the Daily Record note De Superfriezen value their playmaker at €10m (£8.5m).

Heerenveen hand Rangers boost but Veerman price tag a big problem

The Daily Record also note Steven Gerrard has spoken with Veerman’s agent to discuss a move to Rangers this summer. But Voetbal International would seem to suggest the Gers’ pursuit is unlikely to work out, given the Dutch side’s valuation.

Heerenveen will certainly be loath to see Veerman leave for Glasgow before the August 31 deadline strikes. He was a creative force from central and deep-lying midfield roles last term and has started strongly this season.

Rangers will take Heerenveen eying Meerveld as a big boost to their interest in Veerman. Yet the difference in valuation may prove to be a hurdle Gerrard cannot overcome.