Rangers pull out of deal for Salim Kerkar
Rangers have pulled out of a deal to sign Salim Kerkar after the winger’s former club Gueugnon sought £300,000 in compensation.
Though Rangers had believed that 23-year-old Kerkar — who shone while on trial at the Scottish Premier League champions — was a free agent after being released from the French minnows over the summer, Gueugnon said that they are looking for a fee.
FIFA rules state that a player can move to a new club once his contract expires, but if he is under the age of 24, compensation must be paid to his former club. This fee is decided between the two clubs, but if they cannot agree on a figure, a UEFA tribunal
determines the amount.
Rangers manager Walter Smith told reporters that: "We can't get a decision from Fifa in terms of compensation. Gueugnon have released him, but they are still claiming compensation. So, while this situation remains the same, we won't be taking him."
The Ibrox club had been hoping to tie up a deal for the French-Algerian player in September, but the issue with Gueugnon meant that a contract could not be finalised. Kerkar had returned to the French side to thrash out an agreement but, as one was not forthcoming,
he will be forced to look for another club.
Unlikely to make January signings
Meanwhile, Smith has revealed that he is unlikely to have funds to improve his team in the January transfer window, despite operating with a relatively small squad.
A large bank debt meant that Smith had been unable to buy new players for two years before the restrictions were loosened over the summer and he was able to bring in Nikica Jelavic from Rapid Vienna for a £4m fee.
However, while the SPL giants have reduced their debt, their financial restrictions mean that they are unwilling to pay the compensation required to resolve the Kerkar issue with Gueugnon.
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