- Rangers are in advanced talks to sign 19-year-old Nigerian centre-back Akpe Victory from Zalaegerszegi, with an offer close.
- The defender has attracted interest across Europe, including Benfica, with a deal potentially exceeding €5m.
- The move forms part of a wider Rangers defensive rebuild amid major squad changes and expected summer departures.
Rangers are in advanced talks to sign highly rated Nigerian centre-back Akpe Victory from Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi.
According to Ben Jacobs the 19-year-old is attracting strong interest across Europe.
However, an offer from Ibrox is now understood to be close.
The defender has emerged as one of the standout young prospects in Hungary this season.
He has made 15 appearances and scoring once.
Also drawing attention from clubs in Germany, Spain, France and Portuguese giants Benfica.
Jacobs suggests the overall package could exceed €5 million, reflecting both his age profile and growing reputation as a modern, ball-playing centre-half.
The Gers have seen great success this season via his compatriot Manny Fernandez.
The 24-year-old was signed from English League One side Peterborough last summer for a reported £3.5m.
He now looks set to net the Ibrox club upwards of £20m amid Bundesliga interest.
Rangers are expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements this summer following a difficult campaign, with recruitment already accelerating behind the scenes.
Agent visit to Rangers adds intrigue
Transfer discussions have been further fuelled by the presence of FIFA agent Petar Tomovski at Rangers’ Training Centre.
Tomovski, who represents current Rangers forward Bojan Miovski and out-of-contract Dundee United winger Kristijan Trapanovski, posted on social media about his visit to the club.
The 26-year-old was a standout for the Arabs last season.
However, he has struggled with injuries this campaign for Jim Goodwin’s side.
His deal at Tannadice is up in the summer, with Rangers looking at potential recruits from the domestic league ahead of the new season.
His visit does not point to any interest, but based on his list of clients, if it not a visit to see Miovski, the United winger would be an obvious second bet as Rangers look to operate a ‘Moneyball’ type recruitment plan.
Nathan Patterson given Everton hope amid Ibrox return talk
The defensive reshaping comes as Rangers prepare for a major summer rebuild, with several exits expected following a disappointing season.
In another development, Everton confirmed club captain Seamus Coleman will leave the club after 17 years.
This is a move that could indirectly influence the Gers’ right-back movement in the market.
Speculation continues around former Rangers defender Nathan Patterson, who has previously been linked with a return to Glasgow amid expected changes in the full-back department following James Tavernier’s departure.
With Coleman departing it opens up the opportunity for more game time on Merseyside for the 24-year-old Ibrox academy graduate.
With Max Aarons also leaving the club this summer, it leaves Danny Rohl with only the injury-prone Dujon Sterling at right back ahead of the new season.
Read Rangers analysis
With defensive changes already underway and several departures expected this summer, Rangers’ interest in Akpe Victory forms part of an expected total defensive rebuild at Ibrox.
The club are actively reshaping key areas of the squad after a disappointing campaign, with recruitment moving quickly behind the scenes as they look to strengthen across the back line ahead of next season.
