Serie A side Cagliari have sent their farewells to defender Bruno Alves after it was reported that he had reached a verbal agreement to move to Rangers.
The Daily Record claimed on Wednesday morning that the 35-year-old centre-back was manager Pedro Caixinha’s “priority target” and that he had stepped on a flight to Scotland to put pen to paper on Wednesday in a £500,000 transfer.
The Portuguese boss is planning an overhaul of his side this summer as he looks to improve the Gers’ third placed finish and it now looks like he could be close to securing his first signing.
The official Cagliari website confirmed on Wednesday that Alves had departed the club after signing last summer and sent a long message to the departing defender.
“After a season in red and blue, Alves leaves Cagliari to face a new professional challenge.
“Arriving in Sardinia last summer with the title of European champion won with the Portuguese national team, Alves immediately started with great humility at the disposal of mates and coach.
“The team has given experience, physicality and charisma, providing to the group competitive spirit and will to win. An example for young people, on and off the park. Thirty-six appearances and one goal, an important contribution in achieving a peaceful salvation.
“The club would like to thank Alves for what he has done in Cagliari and now wishes the greatest satisfaction for the rest of his career.
“Good luck, Bruno.”
Alves has played for a number of European giants during his illustrious career, which includes Fenerbache, Zenit St. Petersburg and Porto.
He has also been capped 89 times by Portugal at international level and he was part of the team that lifted the Euro 2016 title last summer.
The experienced man would certainly move to Glasgow with an illustrious CV and Rangers fans will hope he can bring some quality to the defensive line.