German midfielder Salih Özcan is set to snub a transfer to Rangers to return to 1. FC Köln, according to a report in Germany.
German daily Kölner Stadt Anzeiger is claiming that Rangers, Premier League new-boys West Brom and Championship Huddersfield all “showed interest” in the midfielder.
However, Özcan – who spent last season on loan with Bundesliga.2 side Holsten Kiel – is set to return to Bundesliga side Köln following a successful spell in the second tier.
The report claims that Özcan, 22, has “made up his mind” and wants to return to fight for a place at the German topflight side.
The German midfielder has been capped all the way up to Germany U21 level and came through the youth ranks at 1. FC Köln.
Having spent last season with Holsten Kiel, Özcan managed five goals and seven assists in 28 appearances in the German second tier.
Rangers have been linked to a host of midfielders this season as Steven Gerrard looks to add quality options to his side which will improve the first XI.
The Ibrox club is said to be “closing in” on a deal for South African midfielder Bongani Zungu which will reportedly see Rangers pay £3.8m to Amiens for the 27-year-old’s services.
Zungu would represent Rangers’ fifth first-team signing of the season after the club also signed Ianis Hagi, Calvin Bassey, Jon McLaughlin and Leon Balogun this season.
