Rangers have held talks with Besiktas over a move for Vaclav Cerny – but fear they will be priced out of a sensational swoop for the former loan star.
Record Sport understands Ibrox bosses have been in contact with counterparts at the Istanbul giants to discuss the numbers required to secure the Czech winger's return to Glasgow.
£8m valuation and high wages
But with the Turkish outfit holding firm on their £8million valuation of a player who turns 29 in two months' time, senior sources in Govan admit doing a deal could be problematic.
To further complicate matters, Cerny is currently on an eye-watering annual salary worth more than £2million.
While he is understood to be keen on a return to Scotland having enjoyed his previous stint at Ibrox, he would have to be persuaded to take a substantial hit on his wages.
Cerny's previous stint at Rangers
It remains to be seen if Rangers will push the boat out to land a player who scored 18 goals and created another nine during an impressive 12 month stint after joining on loan from German side Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024.
Gers chiefs are now weighing up whether it would be worthwhile to push ahead with a deal for the former Czech Republic winger or to look elsewhere.
Ibrox boss Derek McInnes is desperate to beef up his attacking options having been frustrated in his hunt for fresh forward recruits.
Other failed transfer moves
They saw a move for PSV ace Couhaib Driouech collapse last week after an injury issue was flagged in his medical, while Brighton last week rejected a £7.5m bid for youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Gers had a deal in place to sign former Ajax ace Cerny for £6million at the end of his year-long stay. Caretaker boss Barry Ferguson planned on pushing the button on that move had he been named gaffer on a permanent basis.
But when the club's new American owners decided to appoint Russell Martin last summer, it fell through.
Cerny then joined Besiktas on a contract that runs to 2028 - and has an option to stay for a further 12 months at the Tupras Stadium.
