da dobrowin: As reported by The Daily Mail, Rangers are in the running to bring Nikola Katic to Ibrox this summer, despite significant interest from Russian side Spartak Moscow.
What’s the story?
da cassino: Rangers badly need defensive signings this summer after a poor 2017/18 season at the back and it seems Steven Gerrard is prioritising that area ahead of crucial European qualifiers.
The Light Blues sent a representative to discuss a potential move for central defender Nikola Katic three weeks ago, according to a spokesman for the player, as reported by The Mail.
The paper reckon that Croatian club Slaven Belupo are looking for a fee of £2m for the 21-year-old, which combined with a £3m move for Connor Goldson would represent a significant outlay for the Ibrox side.
However, the player is also due to discuss a potential switch to Spartak Moscow if the Russian club can agree a fee for him, according to the report.
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Who is he?
Still just 21 years of age, Katic already has decent experience for a player so young, making 64 top-flight appearances in Croatia for Slaven Belupo. Also capped at Croatian U21s level, it’s clear he’s a player who has potential.
His side finished 7th in the table last season, conceding 45 goals in 36 matches, which is considerable lower than the other teams in the bottom half of the table, perhaps demonstrating he players a key role in the Croatian side.
Steven Gerrard is spot on in prioritising defensive signings and bodes well for the club’s summer. If he can sort out the defensive line, they have attacking talent that can make an impact in the Scottish Premiership next season and potentially challenge for silverware.