RANGERS TARGET IS LATEST FASHION
Gerrard eyes move for Zambian strike ace Sakala, 23
RANGERS are eyeing a precontract move for KV Oostende strike star Fashion Sakala.
The Zambian international hitman is high on the wanted list of Steven Gerrard’s Premiership leaders.
Speedy Sakala, who has five goals
in 15 games for Oostende, has been flagged up by Gerrard’s scouting team.
The 23- year- old is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Anderlecht, and has also be en l i nked wit h Newcastle and West Ham in recent months.
Sakala has impressed in his two-and-a-half seasons in Belgium and is ready for his next challenge.
Rangers know they can land him for nothing at the end of the season.
Sakala is also a player who could have real value going forward and that fits into the business model of Ibrox director of football Ross Wilson.
He is a striker but can play on either flank. That versatility would give Gers even more options across their frontline.
The Zambian, who has 13 caps, previously had a spel l in Russia with Spartak Moscow but played the majority of his time there in their second string before Oostende decided to buy him.
He started at Nchanga Rangers and Zanaco in Zambia before coming to Europe four years ago.
Gers are interested too in Shef f ield United mi d f i e l d e r John Lundstram, also out of contract this summer, but he is likely to have a string of options.
Preston’s Jamaican international Daniel Johnson was a midfielder that the Ibrox side were keen on in the last window.
The 28-year-old is also set to become a free agent this summer and has knocked back a lucrative new deal to extend his contract at Deepdale.
Meanwhile, Gerrard insists Allan McGregor’s age won’t be a factor in deciding if the Rangers No.1 gets a new contract at the end of the season.
But the boss admitted he’ll have a heart to heart with his keeper about his thoughts on extending his stay well into his 40th year before either party commits to a new deal.
Gerrard is delighted with the form shown by McGregor, who turns 39 on January 31 and proved against Celtic last week that he has lost none of his ability to make matchwinning saves.
The boss, who takes his side to Pittodrie tomorrow trying to extend their lead at the top of the table to 22 points, would clearly like to keep the former Scotland keeper on board but insists McGregor will have a massive say on whether that happens.
Gerrard said: “Allan’s in fantastic form and we’re really pleased with him.
“Allan’s situation is a bit different than most because of his age. The club wants to be very respectful to him.
“It will be a case of what Allan wants to do, so at the right time I’ll sit down with Allan, we’ll speak to the people who represent him and have an open discussion on that one.”
Gerrard wants Glen Kamara on a new improved deal and yesterday he insisted Leon Balogun, out of contract in the summer, is another he wants to remain at Rangers long-term.
He added: “Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that, he is performing ever so well.
“He signed a contract with an option of an extension on that contract and we want him to be here beyond this season.
“There is no rush in terms of that one. Leon knows he’s wanted here. I think he’s enjoying it, he’s playing with a smile on his face. He has come in and made the team and the squad a lot stronger.
“With everyone else it’s a case of be patient and wait for the right time.”