Rangers plot move to sign £13m Kassoum Ouattara on one condition
Rangers are weighing up whether to step up their interest in Monaco defender Kassoum Outtara in the late stages of the transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 20-year-old’s potential destination as Russell Martin is determined to land a new left-back.
Monaco have placed a £13million price tag on the youngster, which is believed to be out of Rangers’ reach, with a loan move their preferred option.
Football Insider revealed on 8 August that both Rangers and Celtic are interested in Ouattara as they aim to bolster their squads this month.
However, both Glasgow clubs are only expected to agree a deal should a loan become possible, but face competition from rivals willing to spend more up front.
Having already spent £16.7million this summer, Rangers are reluctant to spend big on one player with multiple areas of the squad still in need of addressing.
Rangers rival Celtic in race to sign Kassoum Ouattara
Interest from Martin’s side comes amid speculation about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz, while Max Aarons has been deployed as a makeshift left-back this season.
Rangers have also been willing to utilise the loan market this summer, having landed Aarons, Nasser Djiga and Mikey Moore already this summer.
O’Rourke explained that they may once again be forced to explore a temporary move as they are unlikely to be able to reach Outtara’s £15million asking price.
“Ouattara is somebody who has emerged on their radar,” he told Football Insider.
“Right now, the big question mark is whether it would be a loan or a permanent deal.
“I think if it’s a permanent deal that Monaco are only considering, that might just be too pricy for both Rangers and Celtic.
“I think they’re looking for around £13million for the player if they are to sell him.
“Right now that’s probably too rich for Rangers, so they’ll be looking to bring him in on loan if that’s something Monaco are open to.
“There will be a lot of competition for him as well; French sides Toulouse, Metz, and also Dutch Champions PSV have been looking at him.
“It’s not going to be a straightforward deal for Rangers or Celtic, but it’s definitely a position both clubs are looking at as they want to strengthen their options.“
Dele Alli tipped to make Ibrox move after Como exit
Alongside their pursuit of a new left-back, Rangers are also looking to strengthen other areas of their team before the transfer window closes.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 8 August that Rangers could move to sign Dele Alli following his departure from Como.
This comes after Ibrox legend Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling tipped the former England midfielder for a move to Scotland live on talkSPORT [via Ibrox News].
Rangers are keen to strengthen in the attacking midfield role, having targeted Sheffield Wednesday star Josh Windass before he opted to join Wrexham.
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