Marathe 'may yet pull rank' as sources speak out on Rangers move for 10-app PL ace - report

Leeds United striker Joel Piroe remains a transfer target for Rangers with the days ticking down until the winter transfer window closes.

Rangers emerged as targets for Piroe earlier this month after Celtic had seen an approach for the 26-year-old laughed off.

That was put down to the fact that 49ers Enterprises, overseen by Paraag Marathe, own both Rangers and Leeds.

Piroe continues to be linked with Rangers ahead of the 7pm deadline on Monday, with sources close to the soon-to-be Suriname international now providing a fresh update.

Paraag Marathe to have big say in Joel Piroe future

Marathe having a foot in both doors, so to speak, could prove huge in any deal involving Rangers and Piroe.

It is quite clear Danny Rohl wants another striker through the door at Ibrox, with Ryan Naderi seemingly top of his wishlist for now.

Rangers have tabled a £2.6million offer for Naderi, which Hansa Rostock rejected earlier this week despite it matching their valuation.

The German third-tier side’s stance could still change, however, so at this stage a move for Piroe is seemingly secondary.

However, Friday’s print edition of the Daily Record reports that Rangers are still lining up a last-minute raid for Piroe.

Rangers are said to be at the front of the queue for the in-demand striker if he does indeed depart Leeds in the coming days.

And “Marathe may yet pull rank” over Piroe, it is claimed, to make sure it is Ibrox he ends up at.

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What has Joel Piroe said about Leeds exit?

Piroe has told bosses he is not actively looking to leave and he is adamant he can win a starting spot under Daniel Farke.

The former Netherlands Under-21s international has featured 10 times in the Premier League for Leeds this season – and indeed in his career – with just two of those being starts.

Piroe has totalled just 203 minutes of action on the field in the English top flight this term, making it understandable why he has been linked with an Elland Road exit.

At the same time, Piroe is clearly confident in his ability and it only takes an injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin to put himself right back in the frame.

In a dream world, a loan to Rangers for the next four months would surely suit all three parties.

And with Marathe at the heart of any negotiations, there is no reason why that cannot still yet be the case.

Either way, Rangers look certain to add at least one more player to their squad before the window shuts.

Stay up to date this winter with our Rangers transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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