Fashion Sakala nearing Ibrox exit as forward set for Saudi move

Fashion Sakala is set for a move to Saudi Arabia with Michael Beale confirming the forward is currently holding talks over a potential departure from Ibrox.

Al-Fayha have launched a £3.5m bid for the 26-year-old as they look to complete the deal.

The Rangers attacker will join the likes of former Celtic players Jota and Moussa Dembele, ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Scotland international Jack Hendry, as well as a host of international stars including Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante, in the Pro-League if he makes the move.

Beale revealed on Friday that the Zambia international, who scored 12 goals for the club last season, will miss the league opener against Kilmarnock as he completes discussions with the Al Majma’ah side where he will link up with former Hoops defender Emilio Izaguirre.

The Rangers manager also insists he was delighted with the summer recruitment drive so far with nine new signings brought in, including his top targets of Sam Lammers, Danilo and Jose Cifuentes.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the Premiership’s return, he said: “Fashion won’t be involved tomorrow because he is away having discussions, he is a player I have a fantastic relationship with, but sometimes in football these things happen and an opportunity comes up and we discuss it between myself and the player and from there something can happen.

“He’s away having talks, nothing is complete yet either way but he won’t be part of the squad tomorrow.

“We have lost Ridvan Yilmaz today to a strain, other than that everyone else is available.

“Jose (Cifuentes) trained right away and is available for the squad.

“It is important I involve him in the squad to get a feel for the league. It is certainly different playing in Ayrshire than LA.”

Rangers have also brought in the likes of Jack Butland and Cyriel Dessers to bolster the squad following the summer departures of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor.

And Beale says he is delighted with the work done so far.

He said: “We have re-energised the squad. The idea was to equip the squad for the coming years.

“We have recruited a strong squad and we now need to grow together.

“I am delighted with the support of everyone at the club. There is a lot of competition, whoever earns it will get to play.

“There is a great opportunity for the boys who start tomorrow and for the subs who feature.

“We will need everyone in the squad as we have a lot of matches in the schedule up to the international break.”

Following Saturday’s game against Kilmarnock, Rangers will play their first Champions League qualifier when they take on Swiss side Servette at Ibrox on Wednesday.