Ridvan Yilmaz mobbed at Turkish airport ahead of Rangers transfer exit as clue emerges over ideal replacement
The left-back is set to return to his homeland as Russell Martin ramps up his search for a replacement
Ridvan Yilmaz has been spotted landing back in Turkey as the Rangers star was mobbed by fans and media at Istanbul airport ahead of his Besiktas return.
The left-back hasn't been fancied by Russell Martin who preferred right-sided Max Aarons for the spot over both him and Jefte in the early stages of the season, an early hint that both left-backs were set to be replaced before the September 1 transfer deadline.
And so it has proved. Jayden Meghoma was brought in from Brentford and was thrown straight in against Club Brugge last week, and shortly after that Jefte was officially sold to Palmeiras in a £6m deal.
Now Yilmaz is set to follow him out the door. The Turkish international has been expected to return to Besiktas after their president revealed earlier this month they were in talks over a deal, believed to be in the region of £2m.
Footage has now emerged courtesy of Turkish outlet TRT Spor which shows Yilmaz being given the red carpet treatment after landing in Istanbul airport late last night.
The minute-long clip shows Yilmaz being handed flowers as a media frenzy erupts around the 24-year-old.
He's heard saying: "I am very happy to return to my home."
Rangers can't go into the rest of the season with just one recognised left-back and, to that end, Roma defender Anass Salah Edinne has been heavily linked.
Any deal is expected to be an initial loan for the left-back for whom Roma paid £6.9m in January, but who managed just three appearances in the second half of last season.
Cagliari are also interested and, while Roma are said to have green-lit that move, Nicolo Schirai reports the player himself hasn't yet decided his next club as he keeps his options open.
The former Netherlands U21 cap looks the ideal replacement for Yilmaz and it remains to be seen if a deal can be struck.
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