Niko Katic gets Rangers transfer exit chance as defender could face Champions League clash with Lionel Messi

Maccabi Haifa are reportedly considering a move for Niko Katic in a move that would guarantee the defender Champions League football against the likes of Lionel Messi.

The Croatian centre-back has been told he is free to leave Rangers this summer having fallen well down the defensive pecking order under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. He spent last season on-loan at Hajduk Split after recovering from a serious long-term knee injury. With the transfer deadline approaching, there's been little in the way of news over the 25-year-old's future, but that could be about to change.

Reports from Israel say Maccabi have enquired about the defender with a view to either a loan move or permanent deal, with Rangers likely preferring the latter. If he were to sign for the Israeli champions, Katic would face a huge career test against the superstars of Paris Saint-Germain when the group stage kicks off in September.

Katic looked set to return to Hajduk on a permanent basis earlier in the summer but the club were unable to meet Rangers' asking price.The club's sports director Mindaugas Nikolicius said: " Nikola Katic is no longer with us, the transfer clause is too big for us. He is returning to Scotland and we thank him and wish him all the best."

Katic has made a total of 59 appearances for Rangers since signing in a £2 million deal from Slaven Belupo in 2018 on a four year contract, which was extended after just one year under previous boss Steven Gerrard.

But with Rangers well covered in central defence now with Connor Goldson, James Sands, John Souttar, Leon King, Ben Davies and Filip Helander to return from injury, he can leave the club.

Maccabi were handed a nightmare draw after becoming the first Israeli side to reach the