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Rangers transfer target set to visit Ibrox for Old Firm clash as Steven Gerrard nears deal
RANGERS transfer target Edson Mexer could make an appearance at Ibrox for Sunday’s Old Firm derby clash with Celtic.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is hoping to sign the Rennes defender and it now appears the 30-year-old is considering making a trip to Glasgow for the upcoming clash.
The Gers boss reportedly met with the defender in France last week and Mexer is now considering the option of leaving France for Scotland.
The Mozambique international defender missed Rennes’ 2-2 draw away to Toulouse on Sunday, with reports suggesting he was axed following the news of his meeting with Gerrard.
However, it is believed the real reason for his absence was due to him suffering from the flu.
Mexer is also currently serving a one-match ban after picking up three yellows in Ligue 1.
The defender won the first silverware of his career recently when Rennes beat PSG on penalties 6-5 in the French Cup.
And Gerrard is hopeful of tempting the player, who is out of contract in the summer, to Rangers as he plans an overhaul of his Gers squad.
According to the Daily Record Mexer could even be in the stands for the Old Firm clash this weekend.
Another player on Gerrad’s radar is Ryan Kent.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Rangers but has expressed his frustration with the lack of opportunities at his parent club Liverpool.
However, if Rangers are to make his loan deal a permanent move, they would likely have to dig deep into their pockets as the player still has three years remaining on his Reds contract.
Rangers go into the Old Firm derby nine points adrift of Celtic, who have already clinched their eighth consecutive league title.
And they are reportedly refusing to give Celtic a guard of honour at the game despite it being a tradition given to the title winners.
Rangers: Ryan Kent claims he ‘wants to make an impact’ at Gers
After Rangers won 1-0 to Hibernian on Sunday, Gerrard revealed talks will have to take place over the matter.
“Have I got plans? I don’t know,” he said.
“I haven’t spoken to them [the club] about it.”