Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha had been linked with an Ibrox reunion with his former player.
Santos Laguna defender Jose Abella [right]
Rangers are moving on from Mexican transfer target Jose Abella, according to the Scottish Sun.
The president of Abella’s team, Santos Laguna, had claimed earlier this week that the club were in negotiations with Rangers regarding the transfer of one of their players, thought to be the 23-year-old right-back.
He said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun: “I talk a lot with Pedro Caixinha [the Rangers manager] and he has good reason for taking the two Mexicans [Carlos Pena and Eduardo Herrera] to Scottish football.
“And there is a player at Santos that interests him. We are in negotiations about him.”
However, the Scottish Sun reports that Rangers are now looking elsewhere – ending any hopes Caixinha may have of a reunion with his former player.
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
No reason is given for the Ibrox side’s alleged u-turn, although Abella’s lack of senior international caps would likely have counted against him in his bid to secure a work permit to play in Scottish football.
In contrast, Pena and Herrera have 19 and nine caps respectively, and are expected to receive the home office green light.
Mexico midfielder Carlos Pena
Rangers have two right-backs already on their books, although both James Tavernier and Lee Hodson have been linked with moves to teams in England’s Football League.
Who would you like to see at right-back for Rangers?
Rangers right-back James Tavernier [left]
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