By Pranav Shahaney

27th Jun, 2022 | 2:57pm

Rangers step up talks to seal Antonio Colak signing

Rangers are reportedly stepping up talks to seal the summer signing of PAOK’s £2.5 million-rated forward Antonio Colak.

According to the Scottish Sun, he is the ‘main target’ for manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst this summer with his squad already reporting back for pre-season training.

Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is understood to be among the backup options, but the 28-year-old Croatian striker is front and centre of the Dutchman’s transfer plans.

Best option out there?

Colak’s numbers in 2021/22 do not make for very good reading and we’re surprised what GvB has seen in him in order to make him his primary target.

Having him as one of the options would make sense, but to prioritise his signing over some others makes very little sense.

Stewart is arguably a better option for him while the club are also believed to be considering Tom Lawrence at Derby County who will be available this summer.

These are options that the club must consider as PAOK appear to be playing hard ball with Gers and only looking to drive up his price.

Now that they know he is the priority target at Ibrox this summer, they will hike his valuation even more – taking the 55-time champions for a ride.

It’s important that Ross Wilson and co do not fall into this trap and ensure that they do not overpay for someone who’s unlikely to be at the club for the long haul given his age.

In other Rangers news, contract talks with a key player have hit a new impasse with a summer exit now on the cards.