Rangers €5m 22-goal striker makes surprise transfer decision

The 22-year-old forward has been linked with a move to Ibrox after leaving Krasnodar without playing a game for the club following the situation in Russia and the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Botheim was a free agent and was expected to attract a lot of interest across Europe but is close to signing for Italian side Salernitana.

The player, who joined Russia for €5m after scoring 22 goals in 46 games for Bodo/Glimt, traveled to Italy and will undergo a medical this week before signing a four-year deal Fabrizio Romano.

It was also reported that Krasnador could appeal to FIFA for compensation for the way he left the club and sign somewhere else permanently. A scenario that may have put off other clubs.

Botheim is moving to a club that narrowly avoided relegation from Serie A, finishing 17th, a point and a place above the relegation zone.

While the player, who teamed up with Erling Haaland for Norway Under-21s, scored 15 goals in 30 games to help Bodo/Glimt win the Eliteserien, it was his performances in Europe that stood out, scoring three goals in two games scored by Roma.

Meanwhile, Rangers could have a long wait to sign PAOK’s Antonio Colak.

Reports from Greece have suggested the club could hold on to their German-born Croatia international until they face Levski Sofia in Conference League qualifiers later this month.