Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic have been “offered the chance” to snap up Al-Ittihad defender Ahmed Hegazy, according to TEAMtalk.
The website claims that the Egyptian international could be allowed to leave Saudi Arabia on a free transfer, despite the fact that he still has two and a half years left on his contract.
Hegazy has been left out of Al-Ittihad’s squad for the Saudi Pro League. That is due to rules restricting clubs to only eight overseas players.
It means that the former West Brom centre-back has not kicked a ball in several months, and a departure in January looks to be on the cards.
Four English teams are pursuing Hegazy’s signature
TEAMtalk report that two English Premier League teams, Burnley and Sheffield United, could make offers for the 32-year-old, along with two from the Championship, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City.
His availability on a free makes Hegazy an attractive target for clubs who will be operating on restricted budgets when the transfer window reopens.
Should Rangers consider making an approach for Hegazy?
At the moment, it is believed that manager Philippe Clement is prioritising moves for a new striker and a left-back ahead of January, but a bid for a centre-half can’t be ruled out either.
The Gers do have the likes of Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Ben Davies and Leon Balogun in the squad but Clement may be keen to add more depth in that position.
Hegazy has a good deal of experience playing at the top level, having made 68 appearances in the Premier League during his spell at West Brom, but he is now 32 years of age.
If the Light Blues do go into the market for a defender, they may look at younger options instead.