Report: Rangers eye Kenyan defender Okumu to replace PL-linked Helander
Rangers are among a host of clubs chasing the signature of Elfsborg defender Joseph Okumu to replace PL-linked Filip Helander, according to Sport Bladet.
The Swedish news outlet claims Premier League sides Leicester City and Aston Villa are leading the battle to sign Helander in the summer.
With two years left on his current contract Rangers are said to want a considerable sum with a deal to be completed either before or after the European Championships that take place between June 11- July 11.
Sport Bladet also claim that Kenyan international Okumu is being lined up as Helander’s replacement but that the Light Blues face huge competition to complete that transfer.
Okumu, 23, was highly-sought after in the winter window with Elfsborg rejecting an offer in the region of £1.7million-£2.1million.
One in, one out?
Helander has been a consistent figure for Gers this campaign so Premier League links will come as no great surprise.
The Sweden international only featured eight times in the Scottish Premiership during his maiden Ibrox campaign in 2019/20 but he has played 21 times in the league so far this season as well as playing a key role in our journey to the last 16 of the Europa League.
But with only two years left on his contract now could be the time to cash in on the 27-year-old.
With Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and Jack Simpson at the club, along with George Edmundson who is currently on loan at Derby County, Steven Gerrard is not short of options in the centre of defence.
But if reports are to be believed Okumu is on the agenda to replace Helander and he would certainly represent a younger option that could be developed.
Okumu joined top-tier Swedish side Elfsborg in 2019 and has made nine appearances for the Kenya national team since his 2016 debut.
In other Rangers news, club U-turn on Bongani Zungu decision.