Rangers target Bruno Alves has reacted to speculation linking him with a move to Ibrox.
Bruno Alves celebrates
Cagliari defender Bruno Alves has told the Daily Record that he is flattered by alleged interest from Rangers, almost shooting down reports from Italy that he would reject the move.
Rangers look set to release veteran defenders Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos when their contracts expire this summer, meaning manager Pedro Caixinha may be looking to bring in another experienced centre back.
With the rumour mill in overdrive, the Express reported last week that Rangers hold an interest in signing Cagliari’s Bruno Alves, with Caixinha lining up a move for his compatriot.
Alves, 35, has bags of top-level experience having turned out regularly for Porto, Zenit St. Petersburg and Fenerbahce, whilst he even helped Portugal in Euro 2016 last summer.
Cagliari’s Bruno Alves in action against Roma
Alves moved on to Cagliari last summer, and the centre back – known for his aerial prowess and uncompromising style of player – has made 34 Serie A appearances this season.
Earlier this week, Sardinia-based La Nuova Sardegna claimed that Alves was likely to reject a move to Ibrox, as he wasn’t keen on leaving Cagliari this summer, one year into the two-year deal he penned last summer.
Now though, Alves appears to be playing down that report, as he has been quoted by the Daily Record as saying that Caixinha’s interest is ‘good news’ as he is another Portuguese coach who is aware of his ability.
Portugal’s Bruno Alves in action with Wales’ Hal Robson-Kanu
Alves added that British football seems to have ‘an incredible atmosphere’, and with an alleged £450,000 asking price, Rangers may well be encouraged to make their move after these comments from the defender.
“If Caixinha is interested in me it’s good news because every Portuguese coach knows about my work,” said Alves. “I have never played in the UK before but it seems like an incredible atmosphere to play your football,” he added.
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