Cast your mind back to the summer and you may remember Rangers being linked to Koln midfielder and Germany U21 international Salih Ozcan.
The talented playmaker was out of contract at the Bundesliga outfit and reports originating in Germany suggested there was something in potential Ibrox interest in the player.
However, Salih Ozcan would sign a new two-year deal with Koln, effectively ending the interest Rangers may have had in the player.
But if anyone need any inclination as to how highly rated the now 24-year-old is in Germany, they need only look at the latest reports linking Ozcan to Borussia Dortmund.
Having impressed in the Bundesliga this season with Koln chasing a spot in the Europa Conference League, it’s piqued the interest of the division’s second-place club.
At least that’s according to German outlet Express, who claim that Koln do need to make a big sale this summer and could look to cash in on the player.
Borussia Dortmund are mentioned as potential suitors because they reportedly view Salih Ozcan as a long-term replacement for £17m Belgian international midfielder Axel Witsel.
Rangers fans may well be ruing missing out on the midfielder as a result but Rangers’ scouting team deserve credit for sounding out the likes of Salih Ozcan.
The Gers operate on a different rung from the top leagues in Europe but have to find creative ways in order to compete at the top level.
Finding young, talented footballers who are out of contract and can be eventually sold on for profit is part of the foundation of the club’s transfer policy and this looks like one that got away.
Ahead of what promises to be a potentially busy summer, there are already several links appearing in the sports press.
Amongst them includes another German youth international midfielder.
