Exclusive: Rangers in talks to sign £3.8m South African star

Amiens' Bongani Zungu is in talks with Rangers.Amiens' Bongani Zungu is in talks with Rangers.
Amiens' Bongani Zungu is in talks with Rangers.
Rangers are closing in on the signing of South African international Bongani Zungu.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard is known to be chasing a new signing to boost his midfield, and the net appears to be closing around Zungu after the Ibrox club opened negotiations with French side Amiens.

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Zungu, 27, has been steadily making his way in Europe over the past few years, leaving African giants Mamelodi Sundowns for Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portugal, before finding his way to Amiens in Ligue 1.

Now, after a move to Mallorca in LaLiga fell through earlier this year, it’s looking more and more likely that Gerrard will add him to his ranks in Glasgow ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The Scotsman understands that, while talks are still ongoing between the two clubs, Rangers are close to striking a deal with Amiens as things stand.

The recently-relegated side are willing to let him leave for around €4million (approximately £3.8million) after he entered into the last year of his contract in the north of France, which is a fee that Rangers are prepared to meet in order to get their man.

It’s thought that a long-term deal is on the table waiting for Zungu should the two teams eventually come to an agreement, with the Bafana Bafana international eager to make the switch to Scotland and play UEFA Europa League football under Gerrard next season.

His agent, Alexis Ramalingam, confirmed to KickOff.com that he was in talks with a number of clubs about a move, and the Gers have jumped to the front of the queue.

“There’s a big possibility that he leaves France this summer but we can’t comment about any clubs for now in order to respect the clubs we are in talks with,” he said.

“There’s interest in Ligue 1 and in other parts of Europe but I just can’t reveal where for now.”

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Zungu got two goals in last year’s African Cup of Nations while playing for Stuart Baxter’s South African side, and has played around 60 games in France following his move from Portugal in 2017.

Gerrard has already added to his squad this summer with the signings of Ianis Hagi, Calvin Bassey and goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.