Rangers reported chase of Cologne’s Salih Özcan is one that has caught the imagination of the fans.
Talented midfielder, 100 plus senior appearances including significant Bundesliga experience as well as a starring role in Germany’s U21 European Championship triumph this Summer – what is not to like?
The player’s situation at the North-Rhine Westphalia based club appeared to be precarious, with more game time sought.
Rangers were credited with an interest in Özcan, as reported by Kicker, but now it appears he could be set to stay put.
Reports from Germany have provided an update on the situation:
“Kicker report that 23-year-old German midfielder Salih Özcan is on the verge of signing a new contract with Bundesliga side FC Köln.”
“On Sunday, interim sporting director Jörg Jakobs commented that they want to reach a decision by the time pre-season training resumes with Rangers showing an interest in signing Özcan on a free transfer.”
“A basic agreement between the two parties has been reached but the duration of the contract extension remains unclear.”
Continuity
With Steven Gerrard expected to bring in midfield reinforcements, this remains an intriguing aspect of the Gers transfer activity set to unfold in the coming weeks.
Questions remain for different reasons on the viability of Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Glen Kamara and Steven Davis over the next season and further ahead.
There is also the question of adding more quality and elevating Rangers to the next level, at home and in Europe.
The task of Gerrard and Ross Wilson is to provide the answers to those tests – we are about to see their working out.