Nobel Mendy snubs Rangers – Defenders Russell Martin could sign instead
Rangers will need to get inventive now that Nobel Mendy does not seem destined to land at Ibrox this summer.
The Gers have been chasing Real Betis defender Mendy all summer. The Scottish side are desperate for some defensive reinforcements and identified the Senegalese centre-back as a viable option.
However, Rangers look set to miss out on Mendy, who appears to have made his intention to sign for Rayo Vallecano loud and clear.
As a result, Russell Martin will need to think of alternatives soon if he wishes to compete at the highest level in the Scottish Premiership.
Kassoum Ouattara – Monaco
Rangers look set to enter a fierce battle with rivals Celtic for the signing of Kassoum Ouattara from Monaco.
As reported by Footmercato (31 July), Rangers and Celtic are among the teams who have contacted Ouattara’s agent to express their interest.
A possible move to Ibrox is being discussed, with several clubs interested in the defender. However, Monaco does not seem keen on sending the Frenchman out on loan and have opted for a permanent sale if possible.
- Rangers and Celtic are keen on signing Ouattara
- The defender was not used often by Monaco, but he is considered to have great potential
- Rangers could advance for his signature now that Mendy seems set to sign for Rayo
The centre-back was used sparingly during their successful Ligue 1 campaign, where the French outfit finished in third place. While he featured in 12 games for the club, he made the starting lineup just five times, accumulating only 390 minutes during the season.
As a result, it would come as no surprise if Ouattara were ready for a new challenge in a new league. With Rangers still keen to sign a defender, the Frenchman’s transfer to Ibrox could be a match made in heaven.
- Read more: Martin is keen on more reinforcements
Xavier Mbuyamba – Volendam
Rather than taking a risk with Ouattara, Rangers could decide on a little more experience and make a late charge for Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba.
The Gers were linked with Mbuyamba earlier in the transfer window. However, it was quickly claimed that Volendam and Rangers are not in contact regarding a deal for the defender who has been compared to Virgil van Dijk.
But with Mendy expected to snub the Gers this summer, they could be tempted to make talks a reality in the coming days. With the Scottish Premiership starting up again, there are questions about what the final few weeks of the summer hold.
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