Rangers fans have taken to Twitter to rave about Cagliari defender Bruno Alves after the Glasgow Evening Times revealed he could join the club “by the end of the week”.
The newspaper claims the 35-year-old defender is set to become manager Pedro Caixinha’s first signing of the summer as he looks to overhaul his squad ahead of next season.
It is said Alves could sign a deal with the Ibrox club before he reports for international duty with Portugal for the Confederations Cup, which starts June 17.
Gianluca Di Marzio claimed earlier today that Alves was in Scotland negotiating a two-year deal with the Scottish giants.
The Portuguese international has been a mainstay in Cagliari’s back line this term, making 37 appearances in all competitions.
The 35-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a long, illustrious career, and he played more than 100 league and cup games for Porto, Zenit St Petersburg and Fenerbahce during stints at each club.
He won league titles with all three of those clubs, as well as being part of Portugal’s 2016 European Championships winning side.
Alves has been capped 85 times by his country, scoring 11 goals, and competed for them at the World Cup in 2010 and 2014.
The Ibrox faithful are excited by the prospect of the veteran defender arriving at their club and they have taken to Twitter to show it.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Even at 35, Bruno Alves is a sensational signing for Rangers! What a step up in quality that is, Rob Kiernan 'cough'
— Craig Smith (@csljm84) May 30, 2017
Can't believe were actually getting Bruno Alves & Graham Dorrans ????????Great start to the transfer window! Only another 9 players needed now ????
— Graeme Duffy (@GraemeDuffy12) May 30, 2017
Bruno Alves is still a Portuguese international, definitely beats rummaging around League one for Watford cast offs!
— Tags (@tagsbo) May 29, 2017
@Chris_Jack89 Great news Union,any word on Pena?
— Smiffy (@Smiffy54AC) May 29, 2017
I realise Bruno Alves isn't everyone's type of signing but even at 35 he would be a terrific signing for us.
— Willy (@SpatestonBear2) May 29, 2017
@SpatestonBear2 He's exactly what we need,experience and leadership qualities.
— Smiffy (@Smiffy54AC) May 29, 2017
@SpatestonBear2 Not many with his experience out there. A real leader, really what we require.
— Liam Watson (@liam_Watson72) May 29, 2017
Rangers finished third in this season’s Scottish Premiership, 39 points behind champions Celtic.
The Ibrox side also lost five of the six meetings with their traditional rivals, who thumped them 5-1 on two occasions.