Rangers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of HJK Helsinki goalscorer Alfredo Morelos, according to the player’s representative.
Agent Jonne Lindblom revealed to the Daily Record that his client was awaiting the return of his passport from the British Embassy, which has pushed back his application for a work permit.
Morelos looks set to become the latest arrival of the Pedro Caixinha revolution at Ibrox this summer, with Rangers having agreed a £1million fee with HJK Helsinki for the player’s signature.
However, Rangers now find themselves in a race against time to complete the transfer of the 20-year-old striker, as he has been unable to apply for a work-permit while his official documents remain out of his possession.
The British Embassy are currently in command of Morelos’ passport, as HJK are looking to secure a visa for the striker in case they are handed Welsh opposition in the Europa League qualifying round later this month.
But Morelos’ agent Lindblom admits that he and his client are powerless in their attempts to speed up the return of his passport, in order to push through his proposed move to Rangers.
He told the Record: “We don’t know the timetable but we are working towards a deadline because Rangers want to have him registered for the first round of European qualifiers on the 18th or 19th of June.
“That means we are now fighting against time to make it happen. We’ve been in talks with the ambassador and the authorities here in Finland but we can’t really push it any harder.
“All we can do is wait for the passport to come back from the embassy.”
The Colombia Under 20 international was in fine form for the Finland-based outfit last season, netting 21 goals from 25 appearances in all competitions, including four goals from six matches in the Europa League.
But if he cannot apply for a work permit before Rangers’ European campaign begins, Morelos will be unable to complete his transfer in time to feature for the Scottish club.