Rangers’ chances of signing Cagliari defender Bruno Alves have taken a hit as Galatasaray have emerged as rivals for his signature, according to Fotospor.
The Turkish media outlet claims Galatasaray are interested in making a move for the 35-year-old as he enters the final year of his contract at Cagliari.
This comes after the Scottish Sun reported that Alves had given Pedro Caixinha a “personal assurance” that he would join him at Ibrox this summer as the manager prepared to make him his first signing.
Galatasaray’s interest will come as a blow to Caixinha who needs to strengthen his squad this summer if the Gers are to challenge Celtic next season.
The Portuguese manager wants to improve his defensive options after it emerged that Philippe Senderos and Clint Hill will be leaving the club.
Alves once plied his trade at Galatasaray’s arch-rivals, Fenerbahce, and during his three seasons at the club, he made more than 100 appearances in all competitions.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed a long and successful career and has also played more than 100 games for Porto and Zenit St Petersburg.
Despite his age Alves has been a mainstay of Cagliari’s back line this term and made 37 league and cup appearances for the club.
He has also been capped 85 times by Portugal, scoring 11 goals, and was part of the 2016 European Championship winning side.
Rangers finished third in the Scottish Premiership this season, 39 points behind champions Celtic.