Rade Dugalic escalates Rangers transfer pitch with Celtic pot shot as he targets career 'crowning glory'

Defender Rade Dugalic has opened the door for a summer move to Rangers – admitting it would be the "crowning glory" of his career.

The 30-year-old almost signed for the Ibrox side during Steven Gerrard's time in charge when with Russian top-flight side FC Tosno, but the move fell through and the 6ft 4in Serb admits he was left frustrated by the transfer collapse. However, reports in his homeland have claimed a move could be on the cards again this summer following Michael Beale's arrival as Dugalic weighs up his options away from the Chinese Super League with Meizhou Hakka.

Now the towering centre-back has escalated the rumours as he admits he is happy with the speculation over a move to the Scottish Premiership – as well as declaring he has always preferred the Light Blues over rivals Celtic. Quizzed about speculation of a summer move to Ibrox by Serbian outlet Zurnal, he said: “Honestly, it certainly please me.

"I think it’s a long way off. Certainly, it would be the crowning glory of my career to play in Scotland and for Rangers, who I always liked more than Celtic.”

Dugalic added that he is in no major rush to leave China – despite several high-profile names leaving the top flight and financial problems facing heavy hitters in the country. He went on: “We have good working conditions. That is very important for every player.

“The fans respect and appreciate you. Your every move is rewarded with applause. Here, even when you play badly, they stand by you and give you support. We have started preparations for the new season, and we all can’t wait for the league to start.”

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