Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Premier League

Rangers boss Gerrard exploring transfer move for ex-Premier League bad boy Berahino after impressive Belgian turnaround

RANGERS are keen on attacking duo Saido Berahino and Manuel Benson, according to reports in Belgium.

The Light Blues have already confirmed the permanent capture of Ianis Hagi from Genk in a £3million deal.

Saido Berahino is reportedly a transfer target for Rangers

And voetballnieuws claim the Ibrox club have an interest in two further players from the Belgian First Division.

Berahino will be a name familiar with Rangers fans after his spell in England.

The 26-year-old was tipped for the very top during his time at West Brom with Tottenham having a bid rejected for the striker in 2015.

He was a regular in the England Under-21 set up before his career went on a sharp downward spiral.

Meanwhile Benson is currently on the books at Royal Antwerp FC but boss Ivan Leko is desperate to keep him at the club.

Benson moved to Antwerp from Genk last year

Benson moved to Antwerp from Genk last year

But it will be the link with controversial Berahino that will set tongues wagging.

He had a troubled time with the Potters, serving an eight-week ban from football after failing a drugs test in 2017.

He was also suspended from driving for 30 months and given a £75,000 fine for drink driving last year.

But Berahino has reinvented himself across the Channel by scoring eight goals in just 22 appearances for Zulte.

However, the coronavirus crisis means the Belgian side is ready to axe a number of its best players this summer to save money.

Berahino still has a year left on his contract but could soon be available for a move elsewhere.

He is believed to have interest from France and Italy, but Berahino admits the chance to return to English football would trump them all.

He said recently: “England is where I first fell in love with football so yes, if the opportunity arose I would definitely consider it.

“So far I’ve had a great time in Belgium, I’ve showed that I can adapt in a different league.

“I can only thank my teammates and coach for believing in me.

“I missed the atmosphere and the buzz before games that I grew up learning my trade.

“We take it for granted how passionate and amazing the fans make the game so beautiful.”