By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

27th Jun, 2023 | 2:57pm

Sources: Rangers in very advanced talks to sign Abdallah Sima

Rangers are close to completing the loan arrival of Brighton forward Abdallah Sima, sources have told Football Insider.

A deal has not yet been agreed for the 22-year-old but negotiations are at a very advanced stage.

Sima, who is yet to appear for Brighton, will bolster Michael Beale’s attack as Rangers look to challenge Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title in the 2023-24 campaign.

The versatile forward can lead the line as well as playing on both flanks.

Sima spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Angers as they were relegated to the French second tier.

He managed six goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions – the vast majority of which came as a lone striker.

The 22-year-old played regular football once again after a rocky 2021-22 campaign which saw him play just 764 minutes of action.

His last taste of British football was on loan at Stoke City, where he made just four appearances in a season-long move punctuated by several injury setbacks.

Sima caught the attention of renowned talent spotters at Brighton after a scintillating 2020-21 season for Czech giants Slavia Prague.

He managed 20 goals and eight assists across 39 appearances in all competitions to earn a Premier League move.

Brighton paid a reported fee of around £6million for the forward – who signed a four-year deal running until June 2025.

Sima is also a full Senegal international – having made his debut for the African Cup of Nations winners in March 2021.

Rangers have already completed deals for Sam Lammers, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland this summer.

In other news, Rangers close to agreeing defender deal after new talks.