Rangers enforcer Bruno Alves will decide in the next 48 hours whether he is to join Serie A strugglers Benevento after the two clubs agreed a deal for his transfer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper report that Alves is weighing up a return to Italy which would see him take a significant pay cut, and the veteran Portugal international is to inform the club of his decision tomorrow.
The Sun claim that Alves, who is one of Rangers’ top earners, is hoping that regular football in Italy would increase his chances of making the Portugal World Cup squad in the summer.
The 36-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Light Blues this season since becoming the club’s marquee summer signing on a free transfer from Cagliari.
Good move for Rangers?
While it will be sad to see Alves go, the fact is that the veteran has never really settled in at Ibrox.
He has put in some dominant performances at the back for the club, but he has also had his fair share of wobbles, and he has never really looked fully comfortable in Scotland.
With the enforcer earning a significant wage package, it would seem the smart option from Rangers to cut their losses and let Alves go.
The club have just signed Russell Martin from Norwich who can easily replace Alves’ presence in the squad and in the back line.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
This one looks to be in Alves’ hands.
The big Portuguese is obviously keen to make the World Cup this summer, in what would surely be his final farewell for the national side.
But the move will also see him take a significant pay cut, which at this point in his career becomes even more important.
Anyhow, we will find out his decision in the coming days.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10