Partizan Belgrade confirm Rangers talks for Vanja Dragojevic
Partizan Belgrade have revealed they are in negotiations to sell a second star player, with Rangers pushing to secure a £4.5 million-rated Vanja Dragojevic. The Serbian club has admitted that the clock is ticking for them to react if one of their key midfielders departs this summer.
Record Sport previously reported that Rangers manager Derek McInnes is keen to land the 20-year-old Dragojevic and lodged a £3.8 million bid to bring him to Glasgow. However, Partizan is holding out for an additional million to finalise any deal.
Second transfer pursuit key to deal
Any move for Dragojevic will not impact Rangers' initial interest in Lewis Ferguson, but Partizan are also weighing up significant interest in the Ibrox target's midfield partner, Ognjen Ugrešić. A cluster of Serie A clubs are keen on the teenage sensation Ugrešić, including Ferguson's current club Bologna.
Partizan transfer chief Radosav Petrovic admitted the situation is critical. Speaking to Sportinjo, he said: "We are waiting, there are some developments, but nothing concrete is happening. If one of the two leaves, we will react, we are already preparing some things. We want to harmonise the wishes of the coaching staff with the club's capabilities. We are analysing everything, time is running out, but we will not rush. We will react when opportunities open up on the transfer market."
Rangers' active summer window
Rangers have been active in the transfer market with five new arrivals. Lawrence Shankland signed before McInnes' arrival and has been followed by Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil, Ross McCrorie, and Ivor Pandur. The club's pursuit of Dragojevic has caused a stir in Serbia, and Partizan – whose league season starts in less than a fortnight – are on red alert if Rangers meet their demands.
The potential £4.8 million deal for Dragojevic remains contingent on the departure of Ugrešić, with Partizan preparing to react to the transfer market as opportunities arise.
