The Three Potential Alternatives Rangers Could Consider As Move For £3.6m Midfielder Stalls

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has stated the club are actively looking to improve their options in the middle of the park.

Prior to the 3-0 win against St Mirren yesterday, the Gers boss spoke about the club’s transfer plans, and despite having already signed six senior players this summer, he says he is still after one more:

“I’ve been open about wanting to add something in our engine room. We’re trying to do that.”

Amiens’ Bongani Zungu was expected to be that player but reports in the Scottish media have suggested that talks over a £3.6m transfer have stalled, with some suggesting that the player is struggling to agree personal terms.

So what other players will Gerrard, and Director of Football Ross Wilson, be looking at? Press the next page as we go through three potential options:

Kristiyan Malinov

The CSKA Sofia midfielder is reported to be available for around €2m (£1.8m) this summer and would be a cheaper alternative to Zungu, who would cost double that amount.

Malinov doesn’t have the experience of playing in a big European league but he has attracted the attention of scouts from a number of different clubs. His agent has confirmed Rangers have held talks, while the likes of Celta Vigo, Vitesse Arnhem, VVV Venlo, K.V. Mechelen and Standard Liege are also said to be keen.

Haris Belkebla

The Light Blues could well return to the French market in a bid to find another player similar to Zungu. Belkebla has been linked with Rangers this summer, with reports in France claiming the Scottish club formally expressed an interest in the Algerian international.

Playing for Stade Brestois in Ligue One last campaign, Belkebla was a regular starter, making 23 appearances before the French league season was curtailed. He is, though, expected to sign a contract extension with his current club.

Dejan Ljubicic

The Austrian Under 21 international is said to be on Rangers’ radar, along with Celtic, Southampton and Brentford, after an impressive season playing for Rapid Vienna.

Ljubicic is equally capable of playing in defence, as well as in a holding midfield role, so he would give Gerrard some added physical presence in the middle of the pitch. The 22-year-old is believed to be available for around £2m so, like Malinov, he could be signed for a lower fee than Zungu.

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