Rangers target 'highly valued' defender as seven figure transfer interest mooted
The Light Blues target is currently plying his trade in the Portuguese top flight and is also on the radar of Bournemouth
Rangers are reportedly in transfer pursuit of defender Gilberto Batista - but current club Moreirense want to extend his contract.
According to Portuguese media, the Primera Liga side are putting together a contract extension offer to the 22-year old in an attempt to keep him at the club for an extra four to five years. Batista would set Rangers back a seven-figure fee, as per the claims. Moreirense are one of four clubs involved with Black Knight Football Club - an American-led multi-club ownership group who also take charge of Bournemouth, Lorient and FC Auckland. Batista is also being looked at by the Cherries, who would have a leg up on Rangers if it came to negotiations, given their association with the group.
‘Highly valued’ Rangers target in talks for new deal
Ojogo claim: “The centre-back (Batista) is a highly valued asset within the Black Knight Football Group. Since establishing himself in the team, Gilberto Batista has shown significant improvement and has already attracted the attention of other clubs, such as Rangers in Scotland. At this time, there is still no decision regarding the player's future. A potential transfer could bring in around €3 million (£2.6m) for Moreirense.”
He’s been a mainstay at the back in the Portuguese Liga this season, making 25 appearances for Moreirense, who are currently punching above their weight in the standings in seventh place. Batista moved to the Minho side in 2023 from the Sporting Lisbon academy, where he played alongside current Rangers number nine Youssef Chermiti.
Rangers seek defensive reinforcements
Following the announcement that captain James Tavernier will be leaving the club in the summer, as well as the fact Max Aarons, Derek Cornelius, Nasser Djiga and Jayden Meghoma will all return to their parent clubs, Rangers are looking a bit light on defensive options going into next season. Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, Emmanuel Fernandez and Tuur Rommens are the only recognised first team options at the club.
Danny Rohl is hopeful to make Djiga’s deal permanent, however Wolves reportedly want a large chunk back of the £10.5m they paid Red Star Belgrade for him in the summer. With similar qualities including pace, physicality and composure on the ball, perhaps Batista is the second choice option for if the Djiga deal goes wrong.