- Rangers linked with a move for Moreirense centre-half Gilberto Batista
- 22-year-old Guinea-Bissau international is being tracked by interested suitors
- His contract ends next summer, but the Portuguese club want to keep him
Rangers have been linked with a summer transfer move for Gilberto Batista, a 22-year-old central defender currently playing for Moreirense in Portugal.
The Guinea-Bissau international is being watched by several clubs, as detailed by O Jogo.
Moreirense want to hold on to their asset and have offered a new contract to the player, but with his deal running out next year, they could be forced to cash in now.
It is no surprise that Rangers are tracking reinforcements in defence, but could Batista be a partner or replacement for Manny Fernandez?
What do we know about Gilberto Batista?
Gilberto Batista made his debut for Guinea-Bissau against Nasser Djiga’s Burkina Faso in a World Cup qualifier in March last year.
He has made one further appearance for his country since then.
Batista came through the academy system at Liga Portugal giants Sporting, making a solid impact for the club’s B team in 2022/23, before making the move to Moreirense.
He made fleeting appearances over the net two seasons before establishing himself from the outset of the current campaign.
So far, he has made 25 appearances this season.
O Jogo has stated that it could cost up to £2.6 million to land Batista, but interest in the player could drive up the price.
What about Manny Fernandez?
Manny Fernandez will hopefully have a Scottish title to add to his growing status and reputation over the next few weeks.
We know that he is a player who is attracting the interest of many clubs, with various Premier League sides, including Arsenal, said to be watching him.
He has also made his senior international breakthrough with Nigeria, so it will be difficult for Rangers to keep him.
With keen suitors in the Premier League, Bundesliga and elsewhere in Europe, the money will be too good for Rangers to turn down if they really want him.
That’s the harsh reality, but the club will only sell for the right price, which would be fantastic business.
One more season, please?
Read Rangers analysis
A player like Gilberto Batista would be coming to Ibrox, ideally to partner Fernandez, but possibly to replace him.
The back line will require strong reinforcement with James Tavernier leaving after 11 years, Nasser Djiga to return to his parent club Wolves, as will Max Aarons.
Derek Cornelius isn’t expected to have a permanent offer, and Jayden Meghoma will also return to Brentford.
As things stand, that only leaves Manny Fernandez, John Souttar, and Tuur Rommens as contracted Rangers players for next season.
New players are set to follow.
