Rangers face increased competition from Spartak Moscow and Krasnodar in the race to sign Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet this summer, according to the Daily Record.
Steven Gerrard admires what the 24-year-old can bring to Ibrox for the Gers’ Premiership title defence next season. The forward shone during his first year of top-flight football last term and carried that form with him to the Scotland squad at Euro 2020.
But Rangers opening talks with Hibernian for Nisbet is unlikely unless Gerrard first offloads one of his current strikers. There are currently five recognised centre-forwards at the club in Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Fashion Sakala, Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe.
Interest in Nisbet is now building from both sides of the border, as well as outside of the UK. Russian Premier Liga duo Spartak Moscow and Krasnodar have been alerted to his potential after a prolific 2020/21 campaign.
Both sides also scouted the attacker at Euro 2020 and are now paying close attention to his situation at Hibernian. The Easter Road outfit are demanding offers far in excess of the £2m from Birmingham City they rejected in January.
Hibs feel confident holding out for a big fee knowing Nisbet is one of the hottest properties in Scottish football. He has also been recommended to Ange Postecoglou, but the new Celtic boss is yet to explore a potential transfer.
Rangers must move fast to sign Hibernian star Nisbet
Rangers may need to sell a striker before they can buy Nisbet, but Gerrard will have to move fast if he is to seal a deal for the Hibernian star. It’s unlikely the six-cap international will be on the market for long after his strong 2020/21, plus the growing interest.
Nisbet struck his first goal in international football against the Netherlands in a pre-Euro 2020 friendly last month. He then featured in each group stage fixture, to play a role in all games since his debut in March.
It was no surprise to see Steve Clarke include Nisbet in his Scotland squad. The Glasgow-born ace scored 18 times, including 14 in the league, and offered eight assists in 44 games last season. He scored against both Celtic and Rangers, too, plus a hat-trick at Livingston.
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