Dragojevic Deal Entering Final Stages
Rangers are on the verge of securing a deal for Partizan midfielder Vanja Dragojevic, with the 20-year-old captain expected to touch down in Glasgow on Friday to undergo a medical and put pen to paper. The transfer has rapidly gathered pace in recent days, and while the exact fee is not yet set in stone, multiple sources indicate an agreement is imminent.
The Daily Record reports that Rangers will pay around £4.6 million for the Serbian youth international, while TV Arena Sport in Serbia claims Partizan have accepted an offer of £4.7 million plus add-ons. Transfer insider Luca Bendoni gives a slightly lower figure of £4 million, but all outlets concur that negotiations are at an advanced stage with the player poised to become part of Philippe Clement's squad.
Dragojevic's versatility and leadership qualities have made him a standout target for Rangers. Having already captained Partizan at such a young age, he brings maturity beyond his years. His arrival would bolster a midfield that has seen changes this summer, and his technical ability and tenacity align with the profile Rangers have been seeking.
Hjerto-Dahl Alternative Placed on Back Burner
Rangers' pursuit of Dragojevic appears to have accelerated after their interest in Tromso's Jens Hjerto-Dahl hit an impasse. The Ibrox club had been heavily linked with the 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder, but Tromso's steadfast valuation of £8.5 million proved a sticking point. Reports from Nordlys suggested Rangers were prepared to raise their offer to £6.7 million after Cardiff City saw a £5.5 million bid rejected, but Rangers Review insists the club's hierarchy remained at their pre-season base in Spain and did not travel to Norway for talks, contrary to earlier claims.
With Besiktas also monitoring Hjerto-Dahl, the player's future remains uncertain, but for now, Rangers have switched their primary focus to the more attainable Dragojevic. Sky Sports corroborates that Rangers are yet to submit a fresh offer for the Tromso man and are instead progressing on the Partizan captain.
The move for Dragojevic underscores Rangers' intent to reinforce their engine room with young, dynamic talent. While Hjerto-Dahl may still be on the radar, the immediate priority is wrapping up the Serbian's signing before the start of the domestic campaign.
Wider Rangers Transfer Chatter
Beyond the Dragojevic saga, Rangers continue to be linked with a host of names. Leicester City and Rangers are both showing interest in 20-year-old striker Ryan One, though Sheffield United are not keen on selling. The Scottish club have also been given an insight into Lawrence Shankland's decision to force a move last year, with the striker revealing a contractual clause at Hearts that facilitated his Ibrox switch.
On the outgoing front, Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a loan bid from Ipswich Town for winger Mikey Moore, who spent last season on loan at Rangers. Meanwhile, Nice are exploring a deal for former Rangers youth striker Robbie Ure, currently at Sirius, with a price tag of around £5.2 million.
Celtic and Scottish Premiership Gossip
Across the city, Celtic are seeing movement in their squad. Defender Maik Nawrocki is close to joining Lens, with the 25-year-old already in France for a medical. Additionally, left-back Greg Taylor has admitted he would be open to a return to Celtic just one season after leaving for PAOK.
In other Premiership news, Motherwell have rejected a bid of around £1 million from Samsunspor for midfielder Elliot Watt, but personal terms are reportedly agreed, and the technical director expects the deal to be finalised. Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City, and MLS clubs are keeping tabs on Greg Docherty as he weighs his future at Charlton Athletic.
Key Figures on Dragojevic Pursuit
Reported Fee Range: £4m – £4.7m plus add-ons
Player: Vanja Dragojevic
Current Club: Partizan
Position: Midfielder
Age: 20
Captaincy: Partizan captain
This article draws on reporting from BBC Sport and other media outlets.