Portuguese top-flight side Estoril are eyeing up a January move for Rangers summer signing Fabio Cardoso, according to A Bola.
The Portuguese news outlet report that the Primeira Liga side are on the hunt for a new centre-back, with several injuries hampering their squad depth, and have identified the 23-year-old enforcer as a possible target.
A Bola claim that Estoril coach Ivo Vieira is an admirer of Cardoso, who is said to have impressed during spells at Pacos Ferreira and Vitoria Setubal, from whom he joined the Light Blues.
It is said that Cardoso’s contract length, seeing him tied to the club until 2020, could be an issue in any deal as Estoril eye up what would be a “dream” signing.
Good move for Rangers?
Cardoso was an ever-present under former boss Pedro Caixinha after signing from Setubal for £1.35million in July, but has only managed 45 minutes since he broke his nose against Motherwell in the League Cup semi-finals.
The young Portuguese enforcer is yet to really show his worth at Ibrox, but that is mainly due to his nose injury hampering his chances in the second half of the season.
In his first few games at the club Cardoso showed glimpses of his ability, and it would be sad to see the youngster leave the club after such a short stint.
On the other hand, if Estoril were to come in with a bid that saw the Gers make profit on their summer deal, then it could represent an opportunity to bring in some reinforcements in other areas of the pitch.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
It is not really known what the Rangers hierarchy make of Cardoso, and that is probably the key here.
If they view him as one who could develop into a future star, then a deal is unlikely.
If they see him as a flop, and Estoril come in with a decent offer, then he would be on his way.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10