RANGERS face a two-way race with FC Copenhagen to sign Manchester United academy star Hannibal Mejbri, according to a report.
Philippe Clement was granted a closer look at the midfielder when United defeated the Gers at Murrayfield last week.
And the 21-time capped Tunisian international played the second half of the glamour game.
Rangers are already closing in on a deal with Wolfsburg to bring winger Vaclav Cerny on loan, but have also been linked with a move for Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan.
Fellow middle man Hannibal also spent the second half of last season in Seville – playing six times in La Liga.
That deal included a £17m option to buy – but the Spaniards have not taken up United on their offer.
Erik Ten Hag is believed to be keen to move several players on this summer – and interest is high in Scotland utility man Scott McTominay.
But Hannibal could also be among them according to reports in Africa – though FC Copenhagen are also keen.
Africafoot claims Clement has made Hannibal ‘a priority’ for his Gers side.
Rangers are playing catch-up in the race for the 21-year-old with Copenhagen already said to have held talks with the Red Devils last week – but it’s claimed Hannibal is not keen on a move to Denmark.
Most read in Football
That could benefit Gers just a few hours up the road from his current base in England.
His current United contract has a year to run, and was extended by Ten Hag in January before his move to Sevilla.
Rangers are expected to free up funds and squad space for new incomings with Connor Goldson on the brink of an exit to Cyprus and Todd Cantwell relegated to the B-team after submitting a transfer request.
James Tavernier is also a target for Trabzonspor while Ianis Hagi could move back to old club Fiorentina.
Five new players have already checked in at Ibrox, plus the return of loan winger Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande’s loan deal becoming permanent this summer.
But Vaclav Cerny, Hannibal and Joan Jordan have all been heavily linked to be next in line.
Winger Cerny has even handed back his company car to Wolsburg in anticipation of his exit.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk