Russell Martin provides update on Djeidi Gassama to Rangers

Russell Martin, Rangers manager, expects the signing of Djeidi Gassama to be completed “very soon.”

The Sheffield Wednesday winger has been training with his potential new teammates at St George’s Park.

According to Martin, the club has done everything on their end to secure the player.

However, financial issues at Sheffield Wednesday are causing delays.

Martin said: “I think it’s all done our end.

“I think with Sheffield Wednesday and the difficulties they are experiencing, which is tough for them.”

“We’re waiting on their end to be sorted, but I think we fully expect Gas to be our player, hopefully very soon.”

Martin also expressed his excitement about Gassama joining the squad.

He said: “He’s different to what we’ve got.

“I think we need a point of difference in the squad.

“We need a few and he’ll be one of them, hopefully.”

The Ibrox club’s interest in Gassama emerged this week and the player has already been involved in training with the team.

However, the manager is aware of the financial difficulties faced by his current club, which is causing the delay.

Martin also revealed that the club has rejected offers for strikers Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers from Lille and AEK Athens respectively.

Further bids are expected, suggesting that reinforcements will be needed in forward areas.

However, Martin admitted that this is not the only position he will be looking to address.

He said: “I think we need to try and strengthen as many areas as possible.

“I think we’ve made a few additions, so we have a lot of players in certain positions that we’re quite happy with, but then outside of that, I think the squad’s been fairly not balanced in the way that we would like.”

With several players in certain positions, Martin is keen to maintain a balance in the squad.

He added: “Of course, we can’t have 40 players in the building, so I think we have to make sure there’s a balance of that as well.”

Regarding the striker position, Martin said: “I don’t know [if a striker would have to leave before we add another].

“We have three or four at the moment, so young Josh has done really well as well.

“Two of them are training now, whilst the rest of the squad have just trained, but two of them are a bit behind because one’s been injured and one’s been away in Hamza and Cyriel has had an injury.

“So, they’re working very hard to get back with the squad as quickly as possible and then we’ll just see.”