Three Sunday papers in Italy have said that Rangers investor Gianni Paladini had been back home (Italy) during the past week to talk to two players he feels will boost the R’s hopes of surviving in the Championship.
Ravanelli has been the main name branded around but he has been joined by an unnamed Spanish left-back who has also been considering his options.
Paladini spoke to both in Milan during his week, whilst manager Ian Holloway stayed at home to complete the transfer of Georges Santos from Ipswich. Ollie has been in Italy on a few occasions with Paladini as the pair searched for talent worthy enough to meet the demands of 1st division football.
Benito Carbone was one name that got away from Paladini. He was strongly linked with a move to West London from Parma but decided to stay in his homeland rather than join the Superhoops.
The "White Feather" has played in Britain before, most notably at Middlesborough where he was a huge success before leaving after the club was relegated from the Premiership and failing to settle on Teeside.
The 35-year old forward scored 32 goals in 50 appearances when signed from Juventus for £7million in 1996 for ‘Boro. Later in his career he returned to England to head Derby County’s frontline, scoring 11 times in 33 matches before the Rams were also relegated from the Premiership.
He also had a short spell in Scotland with Dundee but currently plays in Serie A with Perugia.
Perugia have failed to meet his demands of offering him a new 1-year deal that includes a coaching role. The veteran striker is now weighing his options up over his short term future. This could involve retirement as well as the offer from Rangers. Unless he does sort his differences out with Perugia he has a wealth of offers to choose from including Qatar, Russia, Japan, French side Lyon and Italians Sienna.
Rangers are hoping Paladini's presence in the deal could sway his choice.
The silver-haired striker’s career peaked before his move to Juve when he won the European cup with the Turin-based club and headed the Italian frontline in Euro 1996.