Trabzonspor are not exactly a destination many would’ve thought of for Rangers star John Lundstram.
After all, the Turkish club aren’t exactly a breeding ground for tough British midfielders with thick Scouse accents.
But the latest coming out of Turkey appears to suggest that, whilst nothing is said and done, Trabzonspor have been given the green light to move for John Lundstram ahead of the summer.
This comes after reports last week suggested the Turkish side and Premier League hopefuls Ipswich Town are interested in the Rangers midfielder.
Out of contract in the summer, the 30-year-old is said to form the final part of a three-man early Trabzonspor transfer swoop which includes Borna Barisic.
Trabzonspor given Lundstram green light
As reported by Turkish outlet Fanatik, Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avcı has given the green light for the club to move for John Lundstram.
The report claims that Trabzonspor are eager to strike an “agreement in principle” for the Rangers star who is technically free to discuss terms with other clubs.
Also included in the report is an update on the situation with Borna Barisic, earlier reports suggesting Trabzonspor were close to an agreement with the out-of-contract Croatian.
Claiming Trabzonspor has reached a “happy ending in its negotiations” with Borna Barisic, we assume that means all that’s left is an announcement.
The Turkish side also appear set to raid Standard Liege as well as Rangers, with Fanatik claiming the Trabzon club have also struck a deal for Denis Drăguș.
The report claims the Romanian forward forms part of a three-man early summer transfer siege, with a fee of €1.7m (£1.5m) agreed and Drăguș signing a three-year deal.
Rangers to ‘open talks’ with midfielder
These Fanatik transfer claims comes at an interesting juncture for John Lundstram at Rangers.
Heading into the weekend’s clash with Hearts, there was substantial criticism aimed at the midfielder after Rangers dropped points in the Scottish Premiership title race.
The Scouser has previously claimed that he would like to ‘end his career’ at Rangers and there has been no suggestion Lundstram wants to leave the club.
Speaking after the clash with Hearts, Philippe Clement – who is known to be a big fan of the ex-Sheffield United star – also suggested that negotiations over a deal are just around the corner.
“There have not been any more talks now,” said Clement. “For the moment, there will be in the future.
“I know both sides love each other so I expect a solution at the end.
“With John, I don’t have many hairs on my head, but there are none that has a doubts about his commitment. He loves this club. He is full of passion for this club about everything.
“You see that in every reaction in training, in the dressing room before the game, during the game and after the game.
“You can still go full for the target you have. John is doing that every day, no doubt about that.”
The Rangers midfielder is considered a key member of the Ibrox club’s leadership group and his exit would represent a substantial change in the dressing room’s dynamic.
