Rangers are keeping close tabs on AEK Athens centre-back Vassilis Lambropoulos, according to reports.
Greek journalist Gian Chorianopoulos reported on his personal Twitter account that Rangers have scouts watching AEK’s clash against Panathinaikos along with those from Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Fiorentina.
The reliable Scouts in Attendance Twitter account that the Scottish giants’ interest is in Lambropoulos, 28, who has been frozen out of the team at the Athens clubs since the end of last month “for refusing to sign a new contract”.
Seems like #RangersFC are interested in 28yo #AEK CB Vassilis Lambropoulos, who has been ostracised from team since end of November for refusing to sign a new contract https://t.co/f9WDMxgIUs
— Scouts in Attendance (@scoutsattending) December 12, 2018
Good move for Rangers?
Lambropoulos could be a decent signing. A full Greece international and a mainstay of the AEK Athens side for the last four years, he has genuine pedigree and valuable experience. He is also at an age where he could be expected to slot straight into the Rangers squad and make an immediate impression. Rangers will be in need for centre-backs at the end of the season as Joe Worrall will return to Nottingham Forest when his season-long loan expires, while 38-year-old Gareth McAuley is only on a year-long contract.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
It is certainly like the defender will leave AEK Athens next month. The club’s owner Dimitris Melissanidis told the Greek media a fortnight ago that the hierarchy have told the player and two other contract rebels in the team they can quit for pastures new next month. Whether Rangers will step up their interest is unclear, but the proven performer is certainly up for sale.
This Is Futbol rating 3/10