Rangers look set to miss out in the race to sign Hearts full-back Callum Paterson this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claim that the 22-year-old defender is instead poised to complete a move to Championship outfit Cardiff City following positive talks with manager Neil Warnock.
The Daily Record had claimed on Sunday that Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha had expressed an interest in bringing the player to Ibrox this summer, but the latest report suggests they are fighting a losing battle.
Paterson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is set to cost just £400,000 in compensation, but Rangers look to have been dealt a massive blow in their reported pursuit of the five-time Scotland international.
Rangers are on the hunt for reinforcements this summer, with Caixinha set to undergo a major overhaul of the first-team squad.
The Portuguese has already chosen to axe two of the club’s most experienced performers in Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos, having informed the pair they will not be earning fresh deals.
But their pending departure leaves a vacancy to fill at the back at Ibrox, and Caixinha had hoped to tempt Paterson into a late change of heart.
However, the report from the Scottish Sun has revealed that Caixinha’s Cardiff counterpart looks to have convinced the Hearts player to move to England’s second tier.
Paterson proved an unlikely goal threat in his role at right-back this season, contributing 10 goals and two assists from his 25 appearances in all competitions.