Jefte to Rangers transfer hope rises and new name enters the mix for key role – Ibrox bulletin

Gareth Henderby is among the names being considered for the role as Rangers’ new academy director, writes Scott Burns.

He was the head of academy for Nordsjaelland. Henderby was also heavily involved with the Right to Dream Academies. Rangers are looking for a new academy director to replace Zeb Jacobs, who is set to make a move to Feyenoord. Henderby is a name who has impressed the Ibrox hierarchy with his work in Denmark.

He has held the position of coach to technical director and was also interim managing director. The Right to Dream has brought through the likes of Mikkel Damsgaard, Simon Adingra and Mohammed Kudus. Rangers have already raided Nordsjaelland this season. They signed Mohamed Diomande from the Danes in January on-loan, with an obligation to buy this summer.

Meanwhile, Rangers have been given hope in their pursuit of Brazilian full back Jefte after APOEL's vice-president revealed the player has stalled in agreeing to move to the club on a permanent deal. The Ibrox club were strongly linked with a move for the left back in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old is owned by Fluminense, but has spent this season on loan at Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia.

APOEL announced this week they had reached an agreement for a permanent transfer with the Rio de Janeiro club for a permanent transfer, believed to be in the region of £400,000. But they've yet to agree terms with the player himself. APOEL vice-president Nikos Kougialis said: "We have notified his club that we want to keep him and we are willing to pay the release clause. Obviously, for the transfer to go through, the player himself must agree with the transfer.We put a proposal to him a few days ago, but he has yet to respond."

Jefte has made 31 appearances for APOEL this season and helped them win the Cypriot League title last week. Rangers are set to lose Borna Barisic to Turkish football this summer, with the out-of-contract left back expected to sign for Trabzonspor.