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Towering central defender is out of contract in the summer but has declared himself ready to leave his Dutch club in this window
Long-term target Xavier Mbuyamba has told potential suitors he is ready to leave Dutch side Volendam with Rangers attempting to add a centre-back in the January transfer window.
The towering 24-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox in the past, with Eredivisie club FC Twente and Belgian outfit K.A.A Gent also said to be among a host of clubs keeping tabs on the former Barcelona and Chelsea youth prospect who has earned comparisons to countryman Virgil van Dijk due to his size and stature.
Mbuyamba is out-of-contract in the summer and Volendam risk letting him leave for free unless they decide to cash in on their key man this month, with the player valued at around €500,000.
Rangers transfer target explains why heart disorder should not affect transfer hopes
The defender was diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder before the start of the 2023/24 season, but earlier in the campaign he insisted that shouldn’t hold him back from a big money transfer – and confessed he was ready to leave his current side in this window.
Speaking to NOS, Mbuyamba said: “I understand that clubs inquire about it, but I've shown over a long period that I can handle a higher level, so it doesn't affect my game at all.
“Besides, I'm perfectly fit. Therefore, I wouldn't understand why clubs would turn me down. I often don't even notice the box is there.
“If I don't leave now, I'll be gone next summer. I don't care if Volendam makes any money from me. That has nothing to do with me. I'm ready for a step up. And until then, I'll do my absolute best here.”
The Ibrox side have cranked up their recruitment drive in recent days with a £7 million double deal for Sturm Graz star Tochi Chukwuani and Westerlo full-back Tuur Rommens close to completion.
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With American owner Andrew Cavenagh prepared to back German boss Danny Rohl in January, ex-Netherlands Under-19 international Mbuyamba is one player who could enter the manager’s thought process.
Reinforcements are needed in central defence with Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga, £3.5m summer signing Emmanuel Fernandez and Canadian international Derek Cornelius all producing a string of unconvincing displays so far this term.
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