Fee threat to Indians’ Ibrox move
However, both of the players’ clubs were puzzled that the trial was given the go-ahead and both will demand a transfer fee, which could severely jeopardise any move, given Rangers’ dire financial situation.
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Hide AdLalpekhlua’s club manager at Pune FC, Derrick Pereira, said: “This is news to me because I haven’t been told anything by anyone. If it is true, it has come at an inopportune moment as the I-League season is in full flow and we will find it hard to release Jeje without a fee. He is a vital player for us.”
And Subrata Bhattacharya, technical director at Chhetri’s club Mohun Bagan FC, said: “I am not aware of this development.”
But both players say they are desperate to go to Glasgow and earn the chance to win a contract, with Lalpekhlua even insisting his club are in favour of the deal, despite his manager’s claims.
Lalpekhlua said: “The club is supportive, I’m sure that if I get a chance to play for Rangers, Pune will let me go. I think the good start to my international career helped attract interest from Rangers.”
And Chhetri said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us.”