‘A great talent’: 37-year-old raves about ‘excellent’ player Rangers are reportedly close to buying

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Glasgow Rangers on-loan ace Ianis Hagi has been praised by Rolando Bianchi amid reports the Ibrox side is close to sealing a move for the talented gem, in conversation with the Sunday Post.

The Romania international joined Rangers on a six-month loan at the end of the January transfer window from Belgian club Genk and the 21-year-old took no time at all in becoming an Ibrox fan favourite.

Hagi has weighed in with an impressive three goals, plus two assists, from 12 Rangers games, including his superb brace in the Europa League last-32 first leg win over Braga.

Rangers have an option to make Hagi’s signing permanent at the end of the season and, according to Goal.com, the Ibrox side is close to completing the deal.

Bianchi, formerly of Manchester City and Lazio, is also happy with Steven Gerrard’s input in making Hagi a better player.

“Hagi is definitely a great talent,” said the 37-year-old. “He is quick, very good with both feet and has excellent technical skills. Although he is only 21, he has already been a member of his national team for a couple of years.

“His experience in Scotland has been great for him. He does not have a great physique, and playing in a championship where there is a lot of body-to-body contact has helped him find the strength to fight. That will make him ready for the likes of Italy or Spain.

“Having Gerrard as his manager has also made Hagi a better player, and a more-valuable player, too.”

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Things could hardly have gone any better so far for both Hagi and for Rangers, the youngster truly loving life at the famous club, which in turn has benefitted from his services.

As talented as Hagi is and as much promise as he’s shown, it’s important for him to be at the right club to truly prosper and be happy – his switch to Fiorentina didn’t work out, while this one seems to be working out very well.

And with Gheorghe Hagi – the player’s father and widely deemed Romania’s greatest ever footballer – describing Rangers as the “ideal team” for his son (Daily Record), you could hardly get a more ringing endorsement than that.