Could Pedro Caixinha be crucial to Rangers’ hopes of warding off La Liga interest in Vitoria Setubal defender Fabio Cardoso?
It appears that Rangers have a challenge on their hands if they want to reinforce a porous back line with Portuguese starlet Fabio Cardoso this summer.
According to the Daily Record, Spanish side Malaga are also interested in the 23-year-old defender. And, with the weather on their side and the prospect of testing himself in arguably Europe’s most technically endowed league, the chances of Cardoso moving to the Scottish Premiership this summer may have been dealt a blow.
Real Madrid legend Michel is now the boss of Malaga
However, while Malaga can lay claim to possessing a bona fide Spanish legend in the dugout, former Real Madrid midfielder Michel, it appears that Rangers’ very own boss could be a major factor as Cardoso faces up to a tough choice this summer.
“I’m calm about my future but every player wants to improve,” the Vitoria Setubal centre-back said in quotes reported by the Daily Record.
Fabio Cardoso (right) training at former club Benfica
“I’ve seen the reports and I’ve heard good information about Caixinha.”
It appears that the chance to join his compatriot at Ibrox may appeal to Cardoso, although he admits he is yet to open talks with the Scottish giants.
And, just a few days ago, Vitoria coach Jose Couceiro admitted that his club would be powerless to prevent Cardoso from heading for the exit if Rangers made their interest known this summer, the Scottish Sun reported.
With veteran centre-back Clint Hill leaving upon the expiry of his contract, and the much-maligned Rob Kiernan expected to follow him out the exit door, the Portuguese youth international could fill a problem position in Rangers’ squad.
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
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