Rangers could miss out on January transfer target Jefte for a second time this summer.

The Brazilian full-back had agreed a deal to join Rangers in the transfer window but had plans scuppered by Cyrpiot side APOEL.

Jefte was reportedly keen to seal a transfer to Ibrox in January with terms thought to be agreed between the player and Ibrox chiefs.

A transfer fee with Fluminese - reportedly in the region of £400k - had also been agreed but APOEL refused to cut short his loan deal leading to the deal collapsing.

Jefte has been on loan in Cyprus all season with the club adamant they would keep the player despite the Rangers transfer approach.

And the club could deny Rangers the opportunity to sign Jefte in the summer as they aim to sign the player to permanent terms.

READ MORE: Clement says only gap between Celtic and Rangers is injuries

APOEL president Prodromos Petrides has stated the club intends to purchase Jefte from Fluminese by activating his release clause.

He has even stated a message has been sent to Jefte's parent club informing them that they will exercise the right to sign the defender.

Petrides told radio station Super Sport FM: "We have until May 31 and there is room for the clause. We should have the player's signature.

"We have sent the message to Fluminense to exercise the right to acquire the player.

"It's not an easy deal to fund but we have covered huge sums for debts.

"We have a much better financial situation to manage."

Philippe Clement looks set to strengthen his defensive options in the summer with Borna Barisic reportedly nearing the Ibrox exit.

The defender has been linked with a switch to Turkish side Trabzonspor as part of a pre-contact deal come the end of the Scottish Premiership season.

Should Barisic depart then it would leave Ridvan Yilmaz as the only first-team left-back, albeit with Dujon Sterling capable of covering the position.