Jose Cordoba to Rangers transfer ON as Philippe Clement set for shakeup on pitch and behind the scenes

Jose Cordoba is set to join Rangers as their first summer arrival.

The Light Blues have agreed personal terms with the Panama international and are expected to thrash out a fee with Levski Sofia. Reports in Bulgaria have claimed that the fee could be around £3.2 but that would include future add-ons that are built into the transfer. The initial upfront deal is likely to be closer to £2 million.

The 22-year-old, who has 10 caps, is rated as one of the top defenders in Bulgarian football and that has brought him to the attention of Ibrox head of recruitment Nils Koppen. Cordoba, who plays left side of the defence, was at Ibrox for a VIP visit for the Kilmarnock game last month and since then Levski Sofia have left him out of their starting XI amidst growing interest.

Philippe Clement has made strengthening his Rangers backline his first priority this summer. Cordoba will be followed by a left-back to replace Borna Barisic, who has agreed a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Out-of-contract John Lundstram is also expected to make that same move as Barisic.

Brazilian defender Jefte has been a long-term target. He is on loan from Fluminense. Cypriot club APOEL have the option to sign him. The 20-year-old is stalling because he is aware of Rangers’ interest, although they also have other options on their summer list. Rapid Bucharest's Kosovan forward Albion Rrahmani is another player Rangers have been scouting closely.

Rangers currently have Oscar Cortes on-loan from Lens. Rangers have an option to buy as part of that deal. Clement is gearing up for the Scottish Cup final with Celtic. It could be the final stand for some of his players. Kemar Roofe and goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin are set to depart this summer, while Ryan Jack and Leon Balogun are both out of contract.

Loan players Fabio Silva and Abdallah Sima are also due to return to Wolves and Brighton respectively after Ibrox stays. Rangers will also see their own loan players, Sam Lammers and Ianis Hagi return this summer. Utrecht wants to agree a permanent deal but the player would need to accept a wage cut.

There could also be changes in Clement’s backroom team with Alex Rae’s contract up at the end of the season.