Rangers face new battle to sign defender after trial - report

By Will Butcher

Rangers are set to face a fight to sign former Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos from German second-tier side 1860 Munich, according to a report.

The Switzerland international is available on a free transfer following his release from Swiss outfit Grasshoppers in July, after his six-month contract expired with the club.

German newspaper Bild claim 1860 are interested in the 57-time international, as manager Kosta Ranjaic compiles a three-man shortlist for the 2. Bundesliga side.

Senderos, 31, is part of a three man defensive shopping list for the Lions, with Chelsea defender Matt Miagza and former Stuttgart stalwart Georg Niedermeier.

The Sun claimed on Saturday that Senderos will sign a contract at Ibrox, after training with the Gers for a week, although a deal has not yet been finalised.

This comes after Mark Warburton's side failed to complete a deal for another ex-Aston Villa defender in the form of Joleon Lescott, who is believed to have called a halt on proceedings because of family reasons.

The defender, who has also had spells with Fulham and Everton, starred in 114 games for Arsenal between 2003-2010, but most recently endured a disappointing spell at Villa where he was released in January after making only nine appearances.

Rangers have been increasingly busy this summer, with former Brentford boss Warburton adding youth and experience in equal measure.

Veterans Clint Hill, Niko Kranjcar and Joey Barton join the likes of exciting young prospects Jordan Rossiter, Joe Dodoo and Josh Windass.

In other Rangers transfer news, the Gers have tabled multiple bids for this young Premier League striker.