Rangers coach Michael Beale blown away by Ianis Hagi after new exit rumour

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Rangers will hope Ianis Hagi stays at the club this summer, after new rumours linked him with a move away from Ibrox.

Gazzetta Dello Sport reported last week that Lazio are once again interested in signing Hagi, with sporting director Igli Tare believed to be a big fan.

Lazio have been linked many times before, and the report suggests that a deal could be done for around €10million (£8.5million), more than twice the £3million Rangers paid last summer.

Rangers fans would be forgiven for often feeling frustrated with Hagi. The Romanian is immensely talented, so technically gifted, so creative in the final third.

The problem is that Hagi is also inconsistent, and can often seem like he is on the periphery of games if it isn’t going his way, meaning he has been in and out of the side this season.

Hagi has still recorded seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, and at just 22 he still has plenty of potential for the future.

Hagi enjoyed a huge moment last week as he scored his first goal for Romania at senior level, bagging in their 3-2 win over North Macedonia, and he has now received praise from Michael Beale.

The Rangers coach has told The National that he is delighted to see Hagi thriving for his country, and believes that he is ‘blossoming every day’ – a clear sign that Rangers rate him highly and would rather keep than sell him.

“I have managed to watch a little bit to be fair. I watched Ianis and it was fantastic for him to score his first international goal,” said Beale. “Ianis turned 22 back in the end of October and he has had a fantastic year domestically and obviously now with the national team as well.”

“I see him blossoming every day. I am in a unique position that I have worked with a lot of top young players and I would put Ianis right up there. He is two footed, he works hard, he is a lovely young man. So for me to see his growth this year has been fantastic. And to score for his national team – bearing in mind who his dad is and the career that his dad had – is a special moment for the family. I had a little text with Ianis,” he added.