Paul Akouokou 'tracked' by Rangers as £2m Real Betis enforcer linked with Ibrox transfer

Rangers are tracking Real Betis midfielder Paul Akouokou, according to a report in Spain.

The combative Ivorian international midfielder is currently starring for the Seville-based club in La Liga.

And respected Spanish outlet AS say the Ibrox side are “closely following” the £2 million-rated 24-year-old.

Akouokou made the move from Africa to Finland, the homeland of current Ibrox star Glen Kamara, for his first senior club.

He joined Ekenas IF and during his time there had two loan spells to Israel at both Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Rishon LeZion.

Akouokou caught the attention of Real Betis and initially joined their ‘B’ side before making the step up to the top team.

He featured in the 3-2 Europa League defeat to Celtic earlier this season and at international level came on as a late substitute in the 3-0 friendly loss to England.

Akouokou is contracted at the Estadio Benito Villamarin Stadium until the summer of 2024 and La Liga 2 side Almeria have also been credited with an interest.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is set to reshape his squad this summer as he prepares for his first full season in charge at Ibrox.