Rangers linked midfielder Kristiyan Malinov has completed his move to OH Leuven instead, while hinting to the club’s official website that he has his sights set on joining Leicester City in the future.
OH Leuven were only promoted to the top flight of Belgian football last season. But there is a reason why plenty of budding youngsters are lining up to sign for this ambitious little club from east of Brussels.
The first division newcomers are part of the King Power group who own Premier League giants Leicester after all.
While the Glasgow Evening Times suggested in July that Malinov was keen on a move to Rangers, Leuven perhaps felt like a more stable stepping stone for a player who will be hoping to catch the eye of the Foxes over in Belgium.
“There was interest in me from a number of other clubs, but it doesn’t matter anymore,” Malinov says with his £1.5 million move from CSKA Sofia now confirmed.
“When I heard that Leuven wanted me, I immediately told my agent that this team was my first choice.
“Leuven is a logical step forward in my career. I know that Leuven has the same owners as Leicester,” he adds, rather intriguingly.
Speaking to the Daily Record last month, Malinov’s agent admitted that he was in ‘daily contact’ with a Rangers side who have once again been left frustrated in their pursuit of a new midfielder.
A £3.5 million deal for Amiens’ Bongani Zungu has stalled due to concerns over the South Africa’s fitness (Courier Picard).
Rapid Vienna, meanwhile, have offered Dejan Ljubicic the captain’s armband as they look to convince the 22-year-old to snub offers from elsewhere.
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