Rangers Strikers Attract Transfer Interest Amid VAR Scrutiny and Club Developments

Reports indicate that two Rangers strikers are attracting interest from top-tier clubs in England and France, while VAR officials from a recent cup final are under scrutiny. Specifically, Everton is reportedly observing 22-year-old Rangers and Morocco striker Hamza Igamane, as the statuses of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto at the club remain uncertain, according to TBR Football. Furthermore, Ligue 1 team Saint-Etienne has expressed “strong’ interest” in Nigeria striker Cyriel Dessers, who has recently seen his position within the Rangers squad diminish, as reported by Le Republican Sportif (in French). The Scottish FA has acknowledged that Rangers were not awarded an extra-time penalty kick during their Premier Sports Cup final loss to Celtic on Sunday, according to the Scotsman. Following the controversy surrounding the penalty incident at Hampden, VAR officials Alan Muir and Frank Connor, who officiated the cup final, have not been appointed to Scottish Premiership matches this upcoming weekend, as reported by The Herald. Joe Savage, a former sporting director, has voiced his astonishment at Hearts’ current position at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. He also disclosed that Oh Hyeon-gyu and Luke McCowan were targets for Tynecastle but their pursuit was “blown out of the water” once Celtic intervened, according to the Daily Record. Manager Jimmy Thelin has indicated that Aberdeen intends to activate a contract extension option for Ante Palaversa, provided the player expresses a clear desire to stay and develop at Pittodrie, as per the Daily Record. St Johnstone head coach Simo Valakari has disclosed that Uche Ikpeazu, who underwent two operations following his summer transfer, has achieved a “big step” in his recovery process towards returning to play for the club, as reported by The Courier. Hibernian head coach David Gray stated he has no apprehension regarding the 15 players whose contracts are entering their final months at Easter Road, expressing his belief that this situation will not affect their on-field performances, according to the Edinburgh Evening News. Falkirk manager John McGlynn has reported that no official enquiries have been made for 22-year-old right-back Keelan Adams, despite growing interest in the player, as per the Daily Record.