Pierre Ekwah and Rangers saga could get messy as details emerge on 'major legal battle'

Rangers are interested in signing Pierre Ekwah, but a deal could get very complicated.

Ekwah was linked with Rangers at the end of the summer transfer window, despite completing a move from Sunderland to Saint-Etienne.

A remarkable development over his contract and move to the French Ligue 2 side could mean he becomes a free agent, which could allow Rangers to sign Ekwah.

The former Sunderland star could end up at Ibrox in the coming weeks, but there is a lot to tackle before this can be arranged.

Pierre Ekwah could face legal battle at Saint Etienne

Ekwah joined Saint Etienne on August 14 after spending the second half of last season on loan there, but it now appears that he has left as a free agent after a legal dispute over his contract.

French outlet Peuple Vert has now reported that Ekwah's situation could become a huge legal dispute, and may even become a legal case that goes on for years.

• Saint Etienne activated an option to buy after Ekwah's loan, but they did this without the player agreeing to the move.
• The French side rejected several offers for him after the move, and his camp then unilaterally terminated his contract.
• Ekwah's side want to rely on the Lassana Diarra ruling, with several players following the case of the former Real Madrid midfielder after he terminated his contract at Lokomotiv Moscow.

A long legal dispute could put any move to Rangers in jeopardy, with the Diarra rule coming after a 10-year battle.

It is reported that Ekwah faces a "major legal battle," as Saint Etienne do not want to lose an asset they paid millions for, and they believe players cannot unilaterally terminate their contracts.

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Ekwah could be a strong signing for Rangers

If Rangers could sign Ekwah amid his difficult contract situation, it would be a coup, given that La Liga side Levante are also reportedly interested.

Rangers have lacked legs in midfield under Russell Martin at times, and Ekwah would bring a level of intensity that Thelo Aasgaard and Joe Rothwell have failed to so far.

Ekwah was described as a "major asset" by former teammate Aimen Moueffek during his time at Sunderland, and he would certainly be a good addition for the Gers.

Mohamed Diomande is enduring a poor campaign as the engine room in the Rangers midfield, and Ekwah could replace him in the starting XI if he arrives in the coming weeks.

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