The Scottish Sun reports that Rangers are closing in on a pre-contract deal for in-form Zambia international striker Fashion Sakala.
The Gers have been linked with the KV Oostende star – whose contract expires in the summer – for some time, with a number of other big clubs also reportedly circling.
English Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle are both said to be interested [Daily Record], while French giants Lille have also been linked [Daily Record].
The speculation appears to have driven Sakala to another level, as he’s netted seven times in his last seven Belgian Pro League matches, bringing him to 13 goals for the season.
There may be considerable interest in the 23-year-old’s signature, but the Scottish Sun claims that although several Championship sides have also watched him, the Gers are ‘set to win the race’ and complete a pre-contract swoop, with the prospect of Champions League football suggested as a key factor.
Sakala missed KVO’s 1-1 draw at Eupen on Saturday afternoon due to a foot injury but he isn’t expected to be out for long, so any upcoming negotiations with the Gers shouldn’t be affected.
It makes sense that Rangers would be looking to strengthen at the top end of the pitch with Jermain Defoe out of contract at the end of the season and Alfredo Morelos a candidate to be sold in the summer.
If the club is able to beat off the considerable competition to successfully sign Sakala on a free, it would represent an impressive piece of business.
Rangers hammered Dundee United 4-1 at Ibrox in the Premiership on Sunday afternoon. Here are our Player Ratings from the game, while we also reviewed the action over on the Rangers News YouTube Channel.
