Rangers have joined Atalanta and Stuttgart with interest in Rapid Vienna striker Taxiarchis Fountas, according to Sport 24.
Fountas is a 25-year-old Greek international who started his professional career with AEK Athens and went on to represent eight other clubs before joining Rapid in 2019.
The diminutive striker, who is only 5ft 7″, enjoyed his best-ever goalscoring campaign last season, netting 20 times and notching seven assists in all competitions.
It’s claimed that his goals have alerted Gers boss Steven Gerrard, but that the Gers face competition in the form of Serie A and Bundesliga clubs.
Atalanta are said to be monitoring Fountas, while Stuttgart are ‘furthest’ [translated] in the chase.
The Greek forward is under contract until 2022 and it’s suggested that Rapid want €5m (approximately £4.6m) if he is to be sold.
“You can talk about it if it really pays off for Rapid,” said the Austrian club’s manager, Zoran Barisic, about general interest in Fountas [Sport 24].
Rangers join Atalanta and Stuttgart with interest in Taxiarchis Fountas – Verdict
Rangers have already strengthened at the top end of the pitch this summer via the signings of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten.
The former looks to be facing a spell on the sidelines through injury, though and questions remain over the future of Alfredo Morelos, who has consistently been linked with a move away from the club.
Therefore, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that Gerrard could bring in another forward before the transfer window closes.
That being said, it would be something of a surprise if Fountas is that man.
At 25, he’s a good age, has international experience and enjoyed a superb 2019/20 season in front of goal. He’s started this campaign well, too, netting five times in his opening five matches.
Yet, Rangers already have a diminutive striker on the books in Jermain Defoe and there would be no guarantees Fountas would be able to cope physically with the demands of the Scottish Premiership.
At £4.6m, he would be an expensive and risky signing.
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