Reported Gers target transfer announced as Beale increases options

Michael Beale has said that there could be more arrivals at Rangers, however, Kevin Mantilla won’t be one of them.

The Colombia youth international was linked with Rangers months before the transfer window opened but nothing came to fruition.

As a centre-half, Rangers might have seen Kevin Mantilla as a long-term prospect but a move to CA Tolleres in Argentina has ended that speculation, as reported by ES Euro.

The 20-year old was said to be keen on a move to Europe and a fee of just £2m was reportedly what Santa Fe were looking for.

Leon Balogun’s return and Johnly Yfeko’s emergence in pre-season has probably seen the Gers gaffer move on to other targets.

Speaking at the time of interest and link to Rangers, Kevin Mantilla was fully aware what was going on around him:

“I am very calm about all the transfer interest. It’s all in the hands of God.

“I know which teams are interested in me in Europe and it’s very nice to hear about them. I have been kept informed about who have asked about me.

“My head is with Santa Fe though. It’s important for me to concentrate on the season ahead with them.

“I will wait to see if one of the clubs who are interested in me make a firm proposal, but for now I can’t do anything.”

Rangers do still look likely to strengthen at centre-half, however, at 20-years old, they would have to be pretty special otherwise they would be sitting behind the four senior defenders that we have.

There is also Leon King and Johnly Yfeko who look like they could have good careers ahead of them, signing a player of a similar age just doesn’t make sense.

Rangers might have missed out on Kevin Mantilla and his European dream will have to wait, for now.