Bubbling Martim Neto to Rangers transfer swirl may already have Benfica answer as £2.5m bargain requires one trigger

Rangers are reportedly keeping tabs on Benfica prospect Martim Neto - and could land the a loan deal IF the player wants to leave his boyhood club.

Portuguese reports claim that the 21-year-old midfielder is being tracked by boss Philippe Clement and director of football recruitment Nils Koppen going into the closing stages of the window. The Scottish Premiership side are said to be joined in the race by Gil Vicente - where the midfielder spent last season on loan and Farense also keen on a deal. The Portugal youth cap operates in the deep-lying role - but has only managed one first-team appearance for Benfica having come through the academy with the Lisbon giants.

He has not added to the cameo he made in the 2021/22 season - but was handed more minutes by boss Roger Schmidt in pre-season. And speaking earlier this summer, Schmidt conceded that they midfielder may be allowed to go on loan again having - but only if he requests an exit . He said: "Martim has done well at Gil Vicente after the injury he sustained.

"Regardless of whether the players go on loan or not, we have to accept things as they are. With all the players who leave Benfica, the idea is to give them the opportunity to develop and gain confidence.

"And of course it is always an excellent opportunity for Benfica. The idea is to have a good overview of all the players, but we have to make difficult decisions later on because we have to respect the player's own wishes."

And that could trigger a bargain arrival for Rangers next summer. Record have reported that Benfica are happy with the Neto after his displays in pre-season and would be happy if he stayed for the campaign to fight for a place - but are open to allowing a loan with options to purchase.