Report: Rangers-linked £3.5m striker also sought after by English top-flight club, he’s a ‘top player’

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Glasgow Rangers appear to have competition from south of the border for the services of reported Ibrox target Josh Maja.

Get French Football News claimed earlier this week that Rangers representatives were set to open talks with their Bordeaux counterparts about a possible move for the 21-year-old.

However, Sky Sports has now reported that, along with the Gers, English Premier League side West Ham United are also interested in the former Sunderland sharpshooter.

The report claims that, while Maja is not pushing for a move, the French club’s finances have been impacted by the global health crisis, so they could look to raise funds via player sales.

Maja came through the ranks at Sunderland and was handed his debut by then manager David Moyes, now West Ham boss.

The young forward went on to score 17 goals in 49 senior appearances for the Black Cats before moving to Bordeaux in a reported £3.5million deal.

Maja’s 2019-20 campaign was hampered by injuries and competition from other forwards, but he did well during the ultimately curtailed season, with eight goals and three assists from 31 appearances.

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It’s not exactly been smooth sailing for Maja since switching Sunderland for Bordeaux but the signs of a player developing nicely are certainly there.

A Total Football Analysis scouting report from earlier this year praised Maja’s pace, intelligent movement and efficient finishing, all of which make him a dangerous asset to have.

Joe Shields, Manchester City’s head of academy recruitment – who took a young Maja to Crystal Palace when he was a scout for the south Londoners – also rates Maja very highly.

He told the Daily Mail earlier this year: “He has always been very popular with staff at every club he has been at because he is a top player but there is no arrogance. His ceiling is very high and if he continues to score he will keep rising.”

Rangers certainly need to bolster their attacking ranks in wake of Jermain Defoe’s injury and Alfredo Morelos’ uncertain future, but West Ham could be very tough opposition.