- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC Football understands that Scottish international Josh Doig is set for talks with Sassuolo – who have out bid Marseille for the left-back.
We reported last week that both Rangers and Marseille were keen on the defender from Hellas Verona and it was looking likely that the defender was heading to Ligue 1.
However, in a fresh twist, it is now looking likely that Josh Doig, who used to play for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, is now on his way to Serie A side Sassuolo.
It’s our understanding that Marseille backed away from a deal earlier this week as Hellas Verona made it clear the deal on offer from Sassuolo was their preference.
Doig’s feelings towards move
With a deal to take him to Marseille looking to be in the offing, it now looks as if the Scottish defender will remain in Italy with this transfer to Sassuolo.
However, HITC Football has been told that Doig was upset at missing out on a move to Marseille, but is ready to talk with Sassuolo about a possible deal.
We understand that Rangers remain keen on Doig, but with Sassuolo ready to pay £5m for the Scot, that is out of range of their current budget for a full-back.
Speaking after Rangers’ draw against FC Copenhagen, manager Phillipe Clement implied that the club needed a new left-back but it seems Doig is no longer an option.
“That [left back] is one position that we have two players,” Clement told The Sun. “One is at the end of contract [Borna Barisic], the other one there are a lot of rumours around.
“So it is clear that we need to be ready for that position. We cannot go on in three competitions with one left full-back.
Doig’s performances
At just 21 years of age, the Scottish defender can play at left-back or left-wing back and has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Italian side this campaign.
Rangers missing out on the Scotsman will be a big blow, as will Marseille failing to get it over the line, but it is Italian side Sassuolo who have stolen a march to get this deal over the line.
Scottish side Rangers will still be in the market and the hope was that Benfica left-back David Jurasek was to be the big signing as Alvaro Fernandez had joined the Portuguese side from Manchester United.
There has been no progress on that deal as things stand.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
