Why Manchester United could impact Rangers move for Hugo Siquet

Rangers have identified Club Brugge defender Hugo Siquet to fill their problematic right-back berth.

The Gers have a need to sign a specialist right-back, with long-serving captain James Tavernier having now departed.

Derek McInnes' starting XI for the 2-1 defeat to Hibernian did not include a natural right-back.

Utility man Ross McCrorie can play at right-back, while Dujon Sterling is still on the books, but Rangers clearly want more depth in the position.

Siquet's name is one that has cropped up over the last couple of days as Rangers weigh up their options.

But their hopes of landing Siquet, who has one Belgium cap to his name, may be hindered by Manchester United.

Why could Manchester United scupper Rangers' Hugo Siquet move?

Not many Rangers fans will have been overly familiar with Siquet before the past 24 hours.

Siquet, once described as "exemplary" by Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach when he left for Brugge, has become a prominent target.

But the Rangers Review has reported that it could be a difficult deal for the Bears to get over the line because of the Red Devils.

In their report, they confirm that Siquet is one of a number of players on Rangers' shortlist to fill the right-back berth before the close of the window.

However, Man United are interested in signing Piquet's team-mate Joaquin Seys, who could move to Old Trafford this summer.

Consequently, any hope Rangers have of signing Siquet could be complicated due to that potential transfer happening.

Why Rangers need to end Hugo Siquet pursuit

On paper, this deal would represent a decent prospect for Rangers given his age and profile.

But their chances of being able to strike a deal are looking increasingly slim, especially if Brugge sell Seys to Man United.

Moreover, noted Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported on Tuesday that Brugge consider Siquet "untouchable" this summer, even though Rangers were ready to bid higher to land him.

All the signs are pointing to this one being a non-starter, and with time of the essence to solve a problematic issue, Rangers might be better served looking elsewhere in truth.

There is, of course, time for that situation to change, but right now it just does not feel feasible.