Rangers face shock scramble to sign Diawara amid AC Milan ‘hijack’ attempt

It’s been a hectic summer in all the best ways for Rangers. It started with the arrival of Lawrence Shankland and the drama only continued with Derek McInnes quickly following.

Since then, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Ivor Pandur have all arrived in a major overhaul for the Gers, who are still not done on the transfer front.

Next on the agenda looks to be Jens Hjerto-Dahl and young defender Sankhoun Diawara. The Troyes centre-back looks destined to become the latest star to join Ibrox even as AC Milan threaten a hijack.

At just 20 years old, Diawara would insert himself into McInnes’ strongest backline at Rangers. In Ligue 2 last season, he was incredibly impressive out of possession and would be an excellent partner for Emmaneul Fernandez.

Souttar, meanwhile, would likely find himself watching on from the bench, fighting to get his place back. It’s easy to see why AC Milan are suddenly interested in Diawara, but Rangers should still be in the driving seat.

AC Milan threatening Diawara hijack

As reported by Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Rangers are on the verge of signing Diawara but are now facing a late ‘hijack’ attempt from AC Milan. The Italian giants have set their sights on the young defender and are prepared to offer him a place in their U23 side.

That is where the Gers could have an advantage, however. They are offering Diawara a place in their first-team setup and that should appeal to the 20-year-old, as he looks to develop even further after impressing last season.

Whilst Milan’s attempts won’t be easy for the young defender to turn down, it’s become clear that the offer he has from Rangers is the better option for the sake of his immediate career.

The presence of the Italian giants should at least hand those at Ibrox all the incentive that they need to accelerate their deal and get it over the line. The 6’2 defender would be another impressive addition and beating Milan to his signature would be an almighty statement from all involved.

Rangers also preparing move for Claudio Braga

Even after Diawara, Rangers will still be in the market for reinforcements and perhaps one last familiar face for McInnes. After stealing Hearts’ captain, manager and midfielder in Devlin, the Gers now have their sites set on star man Claudio Braga.

Voted the best player in Scotland last season, the impressive attacker could reunite with his former manager and deal those at Tynecastle their biggest blow yet.

Reports are claiming that Rangers are already preparing a move to sign the 26-year-old amid Hearts’ hefty £9m asking price.