Rangers face sudden transfer scramble to sign promising defender amid 'hijack' attempt from Serie A giants
Rangers are on the verge of agreeing a deal for the centre-back - but are facing late competition for his signature
Rangers have made ‘significant process’ in their pursuit of defender Sankhoun Diawara - but it’s reported a European heavyweight are now doing their utmost to hijack the deal.
The highly-rated Troyes centre-back first emerged as a transfer target for the Light Blues earlier this month after the 20-year-old’s breakthrough season, in which he helped the French club win the Ligue 2 title and secure promotion to the top-flight.
Diawara, who has also been of interest to Swiss outfit Basel, established himself as a regular starter towards the latter stage of the campaign and made 14 league appearances in total. His arrival at Ibrox would boost Rangers’ backline options as new boss Derek McInnes eyes reinforcements in central defence.
With the new competitive season now just 10 days away, Rangers are closing in on their next addition in Diawara. However, French outlet Foot Mercato claim AC Milan have now entered the fray with their report claiming the Serie A giants are attempting to lure the player to Italy instead.
They state that Milan want versatile 6ft 2in Diawara to be part of their Under-23 team, who compete in the fourth tier of Italian football, whereas Rangers are willing to offer him an instant pathway to first-team football.
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It’s also suggested the France Under-19 international is “on the verge” of joining Rangers, but adds that it won’t stop Milan from trying to ‘outmanoeuvre’ the Govan side, who are at risk of losing both John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez before the end of the summer window.
Scotland international Souttar has been linked with a potential reunion at Leicester City with Russell Martin, while Nigerian star Fernandez is being tracked closely by a host of English and European clubs.
Diawara is contracted to Troyes until next summer and his capture would make up for the recent departures of left-sided defensive loan duo Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius, who returned to their parent clubs Wolves and Marseille last month.