Nils Koppen could be ready for another PSV raid as Fredrik Oppegard is mooted as a potential Ridvan Yilmaz Rangers replacement.
At least that’s according to a mixture of reports in the Daily Record and from Turkey, where Rangers are tipped for some big changes in the left-back berth.
Reports last week had claimed that Turkish giants Galatasaray have reached out to Ridvan Yilmaz’s agent with a view to a homecoming reprieve following a challenging 18 months in Scotland.
The situation is also complicated by the fact Rangers stalwart and first-choice left-back Borna Barisic is out of contract come the end of the season.
As a result, the DR are reporting that Rangers are actively pursuing a deal for a new left-back in the upcoming window.
There are two names said to have been “scouted” in recent weeks – PSV talent Fredrik Oppegard and Philadelphia Union star Kai Wagner.
Ridvan Yilmaz out, Kai Wagner/Fredrik Oppegard in?
Rangers fans will be quickly clattering keyboards and mobile phones to get some information on both Kai Wagner and Fredrik Oppegard.
Fredrik Oppegard is perhaps the more intriguing option of the two, with the Norwegian youth international left-back currently turning out at PSV Eindhoven.
As a result, the 21-year-old will be well known to incoming Rangers Director of Recruitment Nils Koppen, who joins the Gers recruitment board from the Eredivisie side.
Having come through the youth ranks in the Netherlands, the left-back spent time on loan at Go Ahead Eagles last season but has made only one appearance for PSV this campaign.
The defender came off the bench in the closing stages of a Champions League draw with Arsenal at the end of the competition’s group stage.
Kai Wagner, 26, is a German left-back currently plying his trade in the MLS with Philadelphia Union, where he has played the last four seasons.
This is after a career in the German lower and regional leagues, Wagner coming through the youth ranks at FC Augsburg before turning out with SSV Ulm, Schalke 04 II, and Würzburger Kickers.
Rangers to step up left-back transfer hunt
Rangers have not been waiting around to secure Philippe Clement’s first signing of the January window with Fabio Silva bolstering the squad before the Bells.
The talented Portuguese striker, 21, remains highly-rated by Wolves but will hope to take the next step in his promising development in the second half of the season at Ibrox.
Now, Rangers look set to step up their transfer business and left-back certainly looks an interesting area given the situations of Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz.
Should Galatasaray step up their interest in Yilmaz, 22, then Rangers would need reinforcements given Borna Barisic would be the only recognised left-back in the team.
Fredrik Oppegard will be a name that interests Rangers fans due to those PSV links whilst the mention of Kai Wagner shows the Gers are casting their net far and wide.
There’s also an argument that, due to continuing injury issues, Rangers need another left-back anyway although Dujon Sterling can play in the position in the event of absences.
