Rangers look to beat Celtic to Kassoum Ouattara transfer as approach made
Rangers are seeking to address issues in their backline as they look to sign Monaco defender Kassoum Ouattara.
The Gers have added eight new players to their squad this summer so far, and more additions are being planned before the end of August.
Mikey Moore’s loan move from Tottenham has just been announced in G51, but the next target may already be on the Light Blues’ agenda.
Leicester City defender Conor Coady has long been linked with a move to Ibrox, but he is moving to Wrexham. However, the Glaswegian outfit have other options on their list to secure their defence.
Monaco want permanent Ouattara transfer amid Rangers interest
Celtic and Rangers are among the teams who have contacted Ouattara’s agent to express their interest, according to Footmercato.
The news outlet reports (31 July) that several teams in Europe want to sign the 20-year-old left-back, with a possible move to Ibrox being discussed.
It’s been claimed that Monaco aren’t keen on sending the France Under-21 international out on loan and are instead looking to sell him permanently.
Some supporters in G51 are hoping to see a new defender arrive for the left side, but it remains to be seen whether the Glaswegian outfit will make a concrete approach for the Frenchman.
Martin to play Max Aarons at right-back
Russell Martin started Max Aarons as his left-back in the UEFA Champions League qualifying matches against Panathinaikos, and the decision almost backfired.
The Bournemouth loanee hasn’t looked comfortable playing out of position for the Gers, making several errors over the two legs in the European competition.
When the Light Blues first signed the English defender, fans felt he would be a replacement for James Tavernier in the starting lineup, but instead, the Scottish manager has played him as an inverted full-back on the left.
| Strengths | Style of play |
| Crossing | Plays the ball off the ground often |
| Aerial duel | Likes to dribble |
| Key passes | Likes to tackle |
Rangers should look at a replacement for Aarons, and Martin has to make him compete with Tavernier for a place in the starting lineup.
With the ex-Southampton head coach seemingly not trusting Jefte or Ridvan Yilmaz, Ouattara may be able to solve the issue.
The Scottish manager has to undoubtedly make some significant changes to his team after the performance in Athens, and the French left-back’s transfer could potentially be the answer.
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