Rangers targeting 'powerful' 6 foot 2 star who's 'similar to Bassey' at Ibrox

Rangers target Ali Koiki has ‘similar qualities’ to departed Ibrox hero Calvin Bassey, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is in the market for a new defensive option after selling Bassey for a club-record fee, which could rise to £23million, to reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax last week.

According to Football Insider, Rangers are monitoring Northampton Town left-back Koiki ahead of potentially heading south of the border with a bid.

However, the report suggests League One side Derby County are ahead of the Glasgow giants in the race to sign the 6 ft 2 ace, meaning van Bronckhorst has a tough job on his hands if he wants to get a deal over the line.

While that may be the case, O’Rourke has previously claimed that Koiki would find it difficult to turn down a move to Ibrox.

Northampton triggered a clause written into Koiki’s contract in February, meaning his Sixfields agreement will now expire next summer.

The Cobblers were keen to take advantage of the condition in the agreement after Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland also looked to prise him away during the January transfer window.

O’Rourke believes Koiki could be an ideal replacement as van Bronckhorst looks for a fresh option after Bassey’s departure.

The journalist feels that Rangers, who get their Scottish Premiership campaign underway with a trip to Livingston on Saturday, may see Koiki as having a bright future ahead of him.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He has got similar qualities to Calvin Bassey. He is a powerful, attacking full-back who can get forward and supply goals and assists as well.

“Maybe Rangers have seen something in him and they think he’s got huge potential.”

Koiki has made 76 appearances during the early