Pena has also been capped by Mexico on 19 occasions and has scored two goals, however he has not featured since he played 45 minutes in his nation’s 7-o thrashing at the hands of Chile at the 2016 Copa America.
Mexican legend Luis Garcia has claimed Carlos Pena “will be joining Rangers” this summer.
Garcia also stated Pedro Caixinha is the man to reignite Pena’s career, after he has been accused of enjoying his “social life” too much in Mexico.
This comes after the Leon midfielder’s representative Salvador Necochea stated the Gers were leading the race to sign him and a deal could be reached in “a few days”.
Garcia is a 79-time Mexico international and a former Atletico Madrid star, and he believes Pena is “a quality player” who has lost his way.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Garcia said: “Carlos has the chance to move away from a Mexican environment that has polluted him, although much of the contamination was done by himself.
“But no matter how foolishly he’s acted and how much his career has faded, he’s suddenly been given another chance by Pedro Caixinha.
“Pedro is a cultured, innovative coach. He’s successful because he takes risks. He isn’t intimidated by the challenge of rehabilitating the career of Carlos.
“Despite his troubles, I firmly believe in Carlos. He is still a very good footballer who can control games. He was at one time the best Mexican player out there. He’s shown it many times. He is a quality player.
“He will be joining Rangers – a club that dominate games in Scotland where they and Celtic are the biggest clubs. That will suit him. It would be a new start for him. I believe in him and so does Caixinha.”
Pena is known in Mexico as ‘Gullit’ because of his resemblance to Dutch legend Ruud Gullit.
The 27-year-old has been a ever-present figure in Leon’s midfield since arriving there on loan in January 2017, making eight appearances in Liga Mx Clausura, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
He is a versatile player and has been deployed in various positions across Leon’s midfield this season, seeing him play as an attacking midfielder, on the left-wing and as a second striker.
Prior to being sent out on loan by his parent club Deportivo Guadalajara he featured 15 times in all competitions for them in the 2016/17 season.