Rangers have been shopping in a bigger transfer market than ever before as Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen look to complete the biggest of rebuilds.
The manager has had a difficult pre-season with performances and results not helping the lack of new additions to his squad, and the Ibrox redevelopment shambles.
The latest names to be linked with moves have raised spirits though with an improved loan offer for Joan Jordan and Vaclav Cerny said to be “on his way” to Glasgow to sign for Rangers.
Rangers eye midfield enforcer in Man Utd’s Hannibal
To add to the speculation and good news, Man Utd’s Hannibal is also a target, and negotiations are said to be at an “advanced stage”.
According to Walid El Mechri of respected African football website Africa Foot, the 21-year old Tunisia international is high on the list of Clement’s targets:
“The Glasgow Rangers club has also requested the loan of Hannibal especially after his great performance during the friendly match between Manchester United and the Scottish club last Saturday.
“The Belgian coach of Glasgow Philippe Clément has made Hannibal a priority for the team during this transfer window and negotiations are advanced between all parties.”
With 27-caps to his name, Hannibal is already very experienced for his age despite not really making the breakthrough at Old Trafford.
He is physically dominant and capable of playing almost anywhere in midfield, like Mohamed Diomande but a lot more aggressive.
When he was on loan at Birmingham City earlier last season and in cameo appearances for Man Utd, Hannibal demonstrated what he brings to any team by breaking records for running distances at both clubs – then Blues manager John Eustace couldn’t believe the numbers he was producing.
Hannibal is midfield machine that Rangers need
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Hannibal explained how he is reaping the benefits of hard work:
“Since I am in the Championship, I have seen that I need to work on my physical capabilities. It is making me a better player.
“Now I understand that every detail is important and you need to work harder.
“Even if you think you are the best at something, you will find someone who is better than you. That is why you have to work so hard.
“I think that it is part of my game now.
“Even if people are more physical than me, it just makes me think that I need to be more aggressive to win the ball.
“Afterwards, I can show my technical abilities.”
Philippe Clement wants his players to be more aggressive and he wants his players to cover more ground in pressing opposition players.
Hannibal would be a very shrewd acquisition.
He might only have a year left of his Man Utd contract but you would expect them to extend it before letting the powerhouse midfielder leave on loan again.
Signing players on loan is a great way to bring quality to the squad that Rangers wouldn’t normally be able to afford.
Joan Jordan and Hannibal would make a formidable midfield with the likes of Connor Barron and Diomande.
With money tight, Koppen will have to be flexible.
