Report: Rangers eyeing international striker inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, contract expires in summer

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly eyeing a pre-contract move to bring Zambia international Fashion Sakala to Ibrox in the summer, according to the Daily Record.

The outlet claims that the 23-year-old forward, who plies his trade for KV Oostende, is high up on Rangers’ wishlist after Steven Gerrard’s scouts flagged him up as a promising talent.

Sakala has been with the Belgian top-flight side since the summer of 2018, when he joined from Spartak Moscow’s second team, and has clocked up 20 goals and six assists from 83 competitive appearances.

(BRUNO FAHY/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

This season, the versatile forward has registered five goals and one assist in 15 league games, but with his contract expiring in the summer, he’s reportedly eyeing a new challenge.

As well as Rangers, Sakala – capped 10 times for his nation – is reported to be on the radar of English sides Newcastle and West Ham, plus Anderlecht.

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Sakala is a versatile attacker who can lead the line and also play on both attacking flanks, and with Rangers often playing a three-man attack, he’d give Gerrard plenty of options in the squad.

Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, Sakala boasts several key traits including pace, superb vision and a powerful shot, as well as having a great leap despite his modest height (5’10”).

In addition, Sakala is a player who could have real value going forward – something that fits into the business model of Ibrox director of football Ross Wilson.