Reported Rangers target Kevin Mantilla has claimed that his future is “in the hands of God” amid links to Ibrox and Liverpool ahead of the summer.
The 19-year-old Colombian centre-back impressed at the recent South American U20 Championship, with Liverpool and Rangers linked this week by Football Insider.
That report claims that Rangers have already held discussions over Kevin Mantilla with regards a potential move, the Independiente Santa Fe star ready to move on this summer.
This comes with British clubs casting their net into South America with post-Brexit registration rules having an impact on youth scouting at the top clubs in the country.
Now, Kevin Mantilla himself has been quoted in the press and it appears the Rangers-linked defender is certainly open to a switch abroad this summer.
Kevin Mantilla talks transfer amid Rangers & Liverpool links
The defender has also spoken openly about his “dream” to make the switch to Europe at some point in the future but for now his focus is on domestic success with Sante Fe.
“I am very calm about all the transfer interest. It’s all in the hands of God,” said Mantilla [Glasgow Times].
“I know which teams are interested in me in Europe and it’s very nice to hear about them. I have been kept informed about who have asked about me.
“My head is with Santa Fe though. It’s important for me to concentrate on the season ahead with them.
“I will wait to see if one of the clubs who are interested in me make a firm proposal, but for now I can’t do anything.
“We want to win the league this season. I am only a young player and I have a lot to learn. At the moment, the best place for me to do that is here in Colombia.
“But of course, the truth is that I do dream of one day taking the leap to European football.”
Rangers have something of a recent history with Colombian players, the Ibrox side having signed Alfredo Morelos from HJK Helsinki in 2017 and Juan Alegria from FC Honka in 2021.
Centre-back Kevin Mantilla, who can also play at right-back, has made 26 appearances for Independiente Santa Fe and this certainly looks like one to watch for Rangers fans.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have reportedly joined the hunt for William Pacho.
