Rangers are one of six clubs tailing young Serbian striker Petar Ratkov, as reports in the player’s home country claim there has been a £2.4m (€2.8m) bid from the MLS.
According to Serbian outlet Nogo Mania, the 19-year-old FK TSC Bačka Topola striker is a wanted man this summer after netting 14 goals for the Serbian outlet this season.
The report directly mentions Rangers as being interested in Petar Ratkov, the outlet claiming the Ibrox side are thoroughly “in the game” when it comes to the striker.
But Michael Beale and the Gers will face substantial competition in the hunt for Ratkov, with Serbia’s big two (Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade) amongst the suitors.
There is also mention of Italian Serie B side Parma, with Belgian Pro League outfit Anderlecht another side mentioned as the teenage forward weighs up his future this summer.
The report also claims that MLS side FC Cincinnati have launched an official bid for the player, with the offer said to be an initial £2.4m (€2.8m) with add-ons dependent on the forward’s success.
Petar Ratkov poses interesting Rangers option
Rangers are set for a summer of big investment, with the striker position one that has been marked as a priority following a disappointing season at the club.
With Alfredo Morelos set to leave the club at the end of his contract – and being linked to Galatasaray – there are also doubts regarding the reliability of Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe.
Rangers have been mentioned alongside Ratkov before, while there have also been links to the likes of Josh Maja of Bordeaux, Tasos Douvikas of Utrecht and HNK Rijeka forward Matija Frigan.
Ratkov presents an interesting option to beef out the squad but, given his tender age, we suspect Rangers are also looking at a more developed forward next season.
That is not to say Ratkov can’t grow into something very special at Ibrox, with the forward likened to £6m ex-Birmingham City forward Nikola Zigic in the Serbian press.
It has been an impressive season for FK TSC, who have finished second in the Serbian SuperLiga but still some distance off runaway leaders Red Star Belgrade with 22 points between them come the final whistle.
