French club Saint-Etienne have shown strong interest in signing Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers from Rangers as the January transfer window approaches.
The Ligue 1 side, who are battling relegation, have reportedly made Dessers a key target and are prepared to make a move for him in the coming weeks. According to French outlet Le Republicain Sportif, Saint-Etienne are ready to test Rangers’ resolve with a potential offer close to £3.5 million.
Dessers, 30, joined Rangers in the summer but has fallen down the pecking order under manager Philippe Clement. Despite scoring 12 goals this season, his performances have come under scrutiny from the Rangers faithful, particularly after Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final defeat to Celtic.
The striker was introduced as a substitute during extra time but did not step up to take one of Rangers’ first five penalties in the shoot-out. Manager Clement revealed afterward that Dessers was designated to take the sixth penalty, had it been required.
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Dessers’ position at the club has become increasingly uncertain following the impressive form of Hamza Igamane, who has scored five goals in his last six matches, and the return of Brazilian forward Danilo, who has also rediscovered his scoring touch.
Saint-Etienne’s interest in Dessers comes at a critical time for the French club. Having only secured promotion back to Ligue 1 last season, the ten-time French champions are struggling, sitting 16th on the table with just 13 points. They currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, narrowly ahead of Le Havre, who are in the automatic drop zone.
The club’s poor form led to the recent sacking of manager Olivier Dall’Oglio following a 2-1 defeat to Toulouse. Highly-rated Norwegian coach Erik Horneland is expected to take over, and Dessers has reportedly been identified as a solution to their attacking woes.
Dessers was linked with a move away from Rangers in the summer, including reported interest from MLS clubs, but no deal materialized. However, with his place in the team now uncertain and Saint-Etienne’s strong pursuit, a January transfer could be on the cards.
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