Rangers: 20 y/o 'with huge potential' could be 'interesting' Ibrox addition | OneFootball

Rangers target Eric Martel has ‘huge potential’ and a move to Ibrox could be facilitated when the transfer window reopens, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was appointed as the Gers’ boss last November and he could look to put his own stamp on the squad in the summer.

What’s the latest news involving Martel?

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are monitoring Martel and the defensive midfielder has already been told that he can leave Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig at the end of the campaign.

The report suggests the Gers are aware of the three-cap Germany international’s situation, but Cologne, Union Berlin and Freiburg are also keen to keep him in his homeland.

Manchester United were linked with a move for Martel ahead of the January transfer window, but a switch failed to materialise.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan with Austria Vienna, having headed away from Leipzig on an 18-month deal in January 2021.

Martel’s parent club are looking to cash-in as he will enter the final 12 months of his contract at the end of the season.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Martel?

O’Rourke believes Martel’s Austria Vienna performances have been of such a standard that Rangers are not his only suitors.

The journalist feels, with the German still being in the early stages of his career, he would have plenty to offer at Ibrox.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s an interesting one. He has, obviously, been told that he might be allowed to leave Leipzig this summer because he has just one year left on his contract with the German club, but it’s been at Austria Vienna where he’s caught the eye this season.

“He has played well for the Austrian side and I think it has brought him to the attention of a number of German clubs as well as Rangers.

“He is a good age, at 20, so he’s only going to get better, you would imagine, with huge potential. He is a defensive midfielder.”

1 of 10

What is the capacity of Ibrox?

45,817 50,817 55,817 60,817

Why is Martel of interest to Rangers?

Martel has only missed one of Austria Vienna’s fixtures this season – with his exclusion on that occasion being because of a suspension – emphasising his importance while on loan.

Despite primarily being a holding midfielder, he has shown that he can be a threat in the final third of the pitch by notching three goals and five assists since swapping Leipzig for the Austrian capital on a temporary basis.

Rangers may not be in pole position to secure the Scottish Premiership title, but adding the £1.8million-rated Martel to their ranks could boost their chances of enjoying glory next term.