Rangers contact Igamane’s former club over Moroccan centre-back

Rangers have reportedly made contact with AS FAR over Moroccan defender Hatim Essaouabi.

According to reports in his homeland, the Ibrox side “have been impressed” by Essaouabi’s performances and are considering making a move for the 24-year-old to join in the summer as Philippe Clement looks to bolster his options at centre-back.

 

The Gers also signed striker Hamza Igamane from the same club on a £1.7 million deal last summer.

 

Essaouabi, who has a market value of just under £750,000, has spent the majority of his career in the Moroccan capital of Rabat aside from a brief loan spell at TAS Casablanca two years ago.

Following injuries to John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, is understood that Rangers will prioritise targetting a centre-back in the January transfer window with a loan deal also possible.

 

While a central defender was already on the agenda prior to Souttar’s injury in last week’s Europa League draw with Tottenham, news that the Scotland international will be sidelined for weeks has exacerbated the need for cover in the heart of defence, with Robin Propper and Leon Balogun currently Clement’s only first-choice options.