Why Rangers have genuine chance of fending off AC Milan's bid to hijack Ibrox deal for Sankhoun Diawara

Rangers are pushing to sign Troyes centre-back Sankhoun Diawara ahead of AC Milan.

The Gers are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements and have identified the France youth international as a leading target.

Last season, the left-footed centre-back helped the French club win promotion to Ligue 1.

Derek McInnes will be confident about signing Diawara at Ibrox and making him a pivotal part of his plans.

The 20-year-old would bring a lot of potential to the Glaswegian outfit, and his ability to play at left-back may also come in handy.

While Ruben Amorim's team are looking to hijack a deal for the young defender, the Govan side arguably have every chance of fending off the Italian giants.

What's being said about Sankhoun Diawara transfer to Rangers

Milan are hoping to swoop in and win the race for Diawara ahead of the Gers.

The youngster is "on the verge of joining" the Light Blues, but the Rossoneri have presented their plan.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on 21 July, the Serie A club want to recruit the Frenchman for their Under-23 team.

The Glaswegian outfit are offering Diawara a direct path into the senior squad, which will surely be more appealing to him.

In Govan, the Paris-born defender can develop alongside another talented prospect, Emmanuel Fernandez, and potentially secure a big move in the future.

Who Derek McInnes can sign as Sankhoun Diawara alternative

Rangers are expected to sell John Souttar in the coming weeks, which will leave McInnes with Fernandez and Ben Godfrey as his only two senior natural centre-backs.

While Dujon Sterling has at times played in a central defensive role for the Gers, the Englishman has been largely unavailable due to injuries.

Ibrox News have covered reports of Olwethu Makhanya's dissatisfaction at Philadelphia Union amid interest from the Glaswegian outfit.

Ideally, the Govan side should simultaneously be pursuing a deal for the 22-year-old South African centre-back and Diawara.

If a deal for the Frenchman falls through, the Gers may turn their attention to Makhanya.

The clock is ticking before McInnes takes charge of his first competitive game since leaving Hearts, with the Light Blues set to travel to Tannadice Park on 31 July.