Rangers are being linked to Germany U21 international midfielder Salih Ozcan – but reports claims this is only as a safety net for the potential departures of key first team players.
The young German talent is currently available on a free after his contract expired at 1.FC Koln and the Gers were previously linked to the player last summer [Kölner Stadt Anzeiger]
Kicker are the ones reporting that the Gers are lining up a move for the midfielder and journalist Derek Rae has broken down the stipulations pointed out in the report.
The obvious candidate regarding interest in a fellow midfielder clearly concerns the situation surrounding Finnish international Glen Kamara.
Kamara, 25, is one of the key players in the Ibrox squad and famously joined the Gers in a £50k deal from Dundee in January 2019.
A remarkably talented possession-based midfielder the ex-Arsenal kid regular stars on the European and international stages and – despite desires to tie the player down – is reportedly on the radar of anywhere up to 13 clubs including plenty in the Premier League [TEAMtalk].
Undoubtedly one of the club’s major assets, Kamara’s exit could come this year with two years remaining on his contract and the European Championships in the summer, where the midfielder is expected to play a major role for Finland.
Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see Rangers preparing contingency plans and the midfielder – who impressed on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Holsten Kiel last season – would be an interesting move.
The reported move for Ozcan – who is at the Germany U21 European Championships at the moment – also raises questions regarding a move for Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman.
The Ibrox club have been consistently linked to the midfielder with reports originally claiming the Heerenveen star was available for £5m before they rose to £8.5m [Scottish Sun].
At the moment there’s no suggestion it’s one or the other – or that Rangers will meet Heerenveen’s reported demands let alone beat Ajax, PSV and Atalanta to the player – but it’ll be interesting to see who else the Gers move for in this position.
The Ibrox club were decidedly short in the midfield come the end of the season due to injuries and suspensions and this is one area Rangers are expected to strengthen this summer.
Even if the club is to lose a prime asset like Glen Kamara after the Euros.
One major Serie A side have reportedly joined the race for Joey Veerman but according to reports in Italy he is one of two options being considered by the club.
