Boss has bid for Rangers star he called ‘very talented’; Gers want £9.5m

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Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are demanding £9.5 million for Ianis Hagi after rejecting offers from Sevilla, Lazio and Galatasaray, as reported by Sporx.

It took him by surprise as much as it did us.

The shock on Hagi’s face was palpable on Friday night after he found the net with a rare headed finish during the 5-0 Premier Sports Cup thrashing of Dunfermline.

Only time will tell whether his 12^th goal in Rangers colours will also be his last, nodded home from close range following a picture-perfect Calvin Bassey cross.

According to Sporx, Serie A giants Lazio and La Liga title-chasers Sevilla have both made £6 million bids for the Romania international this summer.

Rangers have stood firm so far, rejecting each and every offer that has come their way – including one from long-term admirers Galatasaray, a club that has made no secret of its admiration for Hagi Jr.

“We accomplished extraordinary things together with (Gheorghe) Hagi. His son is also very talented,” Galatasaray’s 67-year-old coach Fatih Terim admitted recently.

“I hope he surpasses his father – but it isn’t easy.”

Hagi Jr has, at least, stepped out of his father’s lengthy shadow at Ibrox, although it would be a different proposition entirely at Galatasaray given the Romania legend’s reputation in Istanbul.

REPORT: Rangers tell 24-year-old to leave Ibrox within weeks, Gerrard absolutely loved him

Will Ianis Hagi leave Rangers this month?

While 22-year-old Hagi has yet to secure a regular starting berth under Steven Gerrard, a tally of eight goals and 15 assists last season is nothing to be sniffed at.

When fit and firing, Hagi is a joy to watch, arguably the most technically gifted and unpredictable member of Gerrard’s squad.

Then again, you get the feeling Rangers would rather part with him – particularly given the way Scott Wright has settled in Glasgow – than Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, two players who would be much more difficult to replace.

It remains to be seen whether Sevilla, Lazio or Galatasaray are willing to up their bids with Rangers demanding almost £10 million for a player who cost them only £3 million two years ago.