Rangers Indian move in jeopardy?…

RANGERS’ move for Indian stars Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua could be thwarted by their clubs’ transfer fee demands.

The two Asians will arrive in Glasgow this week for trials with the Ibrox side.

But both of the players’ clubs were puzzled that the trial was allowed.

And both will demand a transfer fee, which could jeopardise any move given Rangers’ dire financial situation.

Lalpekhlua is a doubt with his manager at Pune FC, Derrick Pereira saying: “This is news to me as I haven’t been told anything.

“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 if he leaves now it won’t be helpful.”

And Subrata Bhattacharya, the technical director of Chhetri’s club – Mohun Bagan FC – said: “I am not aware of this development.”

Even Chhetri’s own father expressed doubts the deal would go ahead.

KB Chhetri said: “In his earlier contracts, he always had a paragraph saying the clubs would release him if overseas clubs were interested.

“But with Mohun Bagan FC, there is no such clause.”

However, 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 if I get a chance to play for Rangers, Pune will let me go.

“It is a great honour to get this chance. I think the good start to my international career helped attract interest from Rangers.”

And Chhetri said: “This is an excellent opportunity for us.”