Rangers are close to completing the signing of Boris Pandza after the defender was released by the Belgian club Mechelen.
The Bosnian – who has been capped 22 times by his national side – has held talks over a move to Ibrox, having reportedly been recommended to the club by their former defender, Sasa Papac.
The 26-year-old spent three years with Mechelen but six months were endured from the sidelines following a cruciate knee ligament injury which put an end to discussions over a lucrative transfer to the Ukrainian club Arsenal Kiev last year. His return to fitness coincided with negotiations relating to an extended contract at Mechelen, only for the club to opt against offering a new deal.
"We had talked a few months ago, but no agreement was reached," said Pandza. "Then I heard nothing more from the board. That disappointed me a little – they could have told me. There is a big chance that I will leave Belgium. I can't say which clubs, but it will be bigger than Mechelen, for sure."
Rangers are intent on adding a central defender to the squad despite making seven signings already this summer, with Pandza considered to be an ideal fit. The former Hajduk Split player has also sought to assuage any concerns over his fitness.
"I believe my knee is now 50% stronger than it was before the injury," he said. "It cost me a move to Ukraine but, in the long term, the treatment will benefit me."
The future of Victor Wanyama is also expected to be sorted this week, with the Celtic midfielder the subject of a £12m offer by Cardiff City and Southampton still holding an interest despite having their advances rebuffed last month. The Kenyan yesterday met up with the Celtic squad for a pre-season tour of Germany, although his father, Noah, believes a decision on his son's future is imminent.
"My son will make a sober decision. Be patient, he will make a decision in the coming days," he said. "I have talked to him and, while I am not going to interfere in any way with his decision about his future, it is my place to advise him. All I do is to give him fatherly advice."
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