Rangers have reportedly joined the race for a striker making waves across the border in the English Championship

Rangers are hoping to win their first Scottish Premiership title in five years and will still retain faith in their chances under Danny Rohl this term.

The former Sheffield Wednesday manager has done an impressive job in Glasgow since taking over from Russell Martin but remains off the pace behind leaders Hearts, whose lead was extended to six points after Celtic came from 2-0 down at earn a point in the Old Firm at Ibrox on Sunday.

Rangers are looking to establish themselves amongst the European elite under Rohl and are always looking for marginal gains to help in their European campaigns, in which this season was a distinct failure as the Gers finished 32nd in the Europa League table and were eliminated from the league phase with a whimper. The Light Blues have reportedly identified a top transfer target for next summer as they look on to the next chapter under Rohl.

Rangers lead the race for Swansea City marksman

As per reports by Football FanCast, Rangers are ‘leading the race’ to sign Swansea City hotshot Zan Vipotnik. The Slovenia international is the top scorer in the English Championship and has also attracted strong interest from Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

The 23-year-old has scored 16 goals in just 25 league starts this season and with Swansea 11 points shy of the play-off places, after a season spent flirting with relegation which is now likely to end in mid-table, they will struggle to keep hold of their top marksman in the summer.

Vipotnik already has 22 Slovenia caps and is expected to move on to a new challenge this summer, with Rangers reportedly leading the race due to their likelihood of competing in European competition next season, which is thought to be a decisive factor. Sunderland, comparatively, are mid-table in the English top flight, while Forest are battling against relegation but retain outside hopes of winning the Europa League and qualifying for Europe that way.

How much would Vipotnik cost Rangers?

Rangers might be forced to break the bank in order to sign Vipotnik, as subsequent reports from WalesOnline reveal that Swansea are holding out for a £15 million fee for their star man. Such a price tag reflects his importance to the club with over two years remaining on his current deal, while at the age of 23 he is still a young striker with ample room to improve his game further.

Vipotnik would, of course, be available for a lower fee in summer 2027 if he does not sign a contract extension in south Wales, but Rangers and other interested parties may be forced to bite the bullet and meet the Swans’ valuation if they are to secure a deal for the former Bordeaux star at the end of this season.

Rangers’ top scorer this season is right-back James Tavernier with 13 and a prolific goalscorer to offer competition to the likes of Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski up front could be a game-changer at Ibrox.