When Rangers played Manchester United at Murrayfield, the pre-season appearance of Hannibal Mejbri probably passed most fans by.
The 21-year-old Tunisian international was once highly-rated by bosses at Old Trafford but over his five years in Manchester, has failed to properly grab his chance.
With Mejbri now at an age where he needs to settle down and play regularly, Rangers have been routinely linked to Hannibal this summer as the club hunts for reinforcements.
But as the costly failure to reach the Champions League comes home to roost, those mentions alongside the fringe Red Devils star have become few and far between.
Now, two English Championship sides are set to do battle for Hannibal as Manchester United make way for a high-profile South American arrival from PSG.
As a result, Hannibal could be about to replace one ex-Rangers star at a fallen English giant this season.
Hannibal Mejbri wanted in Championship
There were some reputable sources linking Rangers with a move for Hannibal this summer.
Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed Rangers were in discussions over Mejbri but as per always, any problems with a deal came down to money.
At the same time, Rangers are trying to offload several in their squad to free up space and wages in order to progress their own transfer ambitions this summer.
With doubts about Rangers’ ability to finance a deal growing in the wake of Champions League disappointment, Manchester United aren’t waiting around.
The Premier League giants have just sold Uruguayan midfielder Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos for around £5.1m and Hannibal is set to follow.
Burnley were mentioned as Mejbri suitors earlier in the week, with Leeds United now also interested according to the Mirror’s David Anderson.
Leeds United have offloaded two high-profile midfielders in the shape of ex-Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara (Rennes) and teenage sensation Archie Gray (Spurs) this summer.
It means Hannibal could replace the role of one-time Ibrox hero Kamara in the middle of the pitch for Leeds United next season.
According to La Parisien, the reports come as Manchester United appear to be closing in on a £51m deal for PSG’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Rangers taste midfield transfer disappointment
Rangers have seen a number of high-profile links to midfielders pass the club by this summer.
Sevilla technician Joan Jordan stands out as the most high-profile, with Rangers pulling out of a deal for as of yet unconfirmed reasons.
Scotland international Kenny McLean also reaffirmed his commitment to the cause at Norwich City amid links to Ibrox this summer.
Gers-linked Gustavo Puerta is also closing in on a move to Hull City, whilst the situation with Hannibal looks likely to see the Tunisian wind up in the Championship.
The middle of the park is clearly somewhere that Rangers have identified this summer and we expect that someone will come into the team before the window slams shut.
But as for all of Rangers’ remaining transfer business, much of the club’s activity will depend on those who move out of Ibrox.
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