'Not interested' - Saint-Etienne boss suggests January move for Rangers striker Dessers is unlikely

Saint-Étienne new manager Eirik Horneland has hinted that the club are unlikely to sign a new player in next month's transfer window amid reports linking them to Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers.

The French Ligue 1 outfit are struggling to keep their top-flight status, and one of the reasons for their plight is the struggle in front of goal.

They have scored 12 league goals, the second-fewest in the French uppermost division, and to solve their goal-scoring woes, they have been linked with Dessers.

Saint-Étienne recently sacked their previous manager Olivier Dall’Oglio, replacing him with Horneland as they seek to avoid relegation.

Speaking with L'equipe via rangersnews, Horneland has played down the possibility of signing a new player when the transfer window opens, thereby casting doubts over the possibility of signing Dessers.

"We want to be a proactive team which goes on the offensive very quickly while remaining focused on defence. I think we can achieve this thanks to the support of the fans," Horneland explains.

"First, we will look at the players individually, the goal being to get the best out of each of them. Then, we will have to put the plans in place. For me, it is important to have an offensive style of play. That is what the fans expect.”

"I am fully aware of the situation [St Etienne are 16th in an 18-team league]. Our role is to improve performances as quickly as possible to achieve our goals. By working hard every day, that’s the only thing to do.

"My goal is to work with the existing team and provide collective work. I am convinced that players in the team already have great technical abilities. Building on that should allow us to work well.

"To be honest, I am not interested in the transfer window at the moment. I prefer to focus on getting to know the players, listening to them and working together."

The veteran striker has slid down the pecking order at Rangers and could be released next month after struggling to impress with the Scottish giants.

He was on the bench for most of the Scottish League Cup final clash with Celtic and also came on as a substitute in the last game against Dundee United.

Hamza Igamane, who arrived last summer, seems to have finally found his feet after scoring five goals in his last seven starts.

Brazilian striker Danilo has also earned the trust of manager Philippe Clement, making Dessers’ role redundant at the club at the moment.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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