Ibrox Exclusive: 27-yr-old international heads to English club after talks with Rangers

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Published on:

06 Mar 2019, 5:36 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Stefan Marinovic is heading to Bristol City this week after holding talks with Rangers this year, Football Insider sources understands.

Marinovic, who is the No.1 goalkeeper for New Zealand, is currently a free agent after leaving Vancouver Whitecaps at the end of last season's Major League Soccer campaign.

The 27-year-old had trials at Rangers and Hull City in January, but failed to win a move to either club with the Scottish giants ending up signing Andy Firth from Barrow during the January transfer window.

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is now ready to bring in a goalkeeper to provide cover and competition and Marinovic fits the bill as he is a free agent.

A source close to the player has told Football Insider that Johnson and his coaching staff will cast an eye over Marinovic at close quarters in training this week before deciding whether or not to offer the New Zealand man a chance to move to the Championship.

Marinovic has more than 20 senior appearances for New Zealand, starting all three matches at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and each of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as the Kiwis won the Oceania region before losing to Peru in their inter-confederation playoff.

Bristol City are in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements after losing first-choice goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa to injury just before last week's draw at Preston with youngster Max O'Leary forced into action.

Finland keeper Maenpaa had only recently returned to action after injury, but it is feared he now faces another spell on the sidelines at a crucial stage of the season as Bristol City look to secure a play-off spot.

In other Rangers transfer news, it can be REVEALED that the Scottish giants are tabling a bid for a Tottenham star.

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