In what could deal the 49ers an instant blow at Ibrox, one European club are reportedly now prioritising a move to sign one of Rangers' best players when the summer transfer window swings open.
49ers could be dealt instant Rangers blow
The 49ers certainly have a hefty task on their hands when it comes to catching Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. The Bhoys have raced away towards yet another league title this season in a reign of dominance which has looked unlikely to end since the beginning of the campaign. Rangers, meanwhile, have struggled on the domestic front yet again.
That said, the Gers did at least manage to get one over on their rivals in the Old Firm derby last time out, scoring late on to win a five-goal thriller 3-2 in front of the Celtic Park faithful.
The hero of the hour, Hamza Igamane, has been a rare bright spark in a season to forget for the Scottish giants. At just 22 years old, the forward looks destined for big things, however, and that could yet see the Gers suffer a frustrating exit.
According to French news outlet But, Marseille have now made signing Igamane a summer priority in a deal that would cost them just £8m in the coming months. The Ligue 1 giants aren't alone in their interest though, with the likes of Everton also linked with the forward's signature in recent weeks.
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He's set to become a free agent this summer.
From Old Firm hero, Igamane could break Ibrox hearts this summer. Having only just arrived last summer, the in-demand striker may well be forced to make the most important decision of his career so far when the transfer window opens. Rangers, meanwhile, could be left fearing the worst.
Rangers must keep hold of "brilliant" Igamane
With 14 goals to his name in all competitions, including four in eight Europa League games, it's not just in the Old Firm derby that Igamane has stolen the headlines at Rangers this season. The Moroccan has been the main man at Ibrox and could yet fire the Gers to another European outing to remember when Athletic Club come to town in April.
Earning plenty of praise as a result of his fine form, former Rangers man Derek Ferguson told reporters when asked about Igamane earlier this season: "Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man.
Hamza-Igamane-Rangers
"The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games, he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon - and took his goal brilliantly. I don't know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane's got that unpredictability."
Whether it's Everton, Marseille or another interested party, Rangers must keep hold of Igamane if they are to stand any chance of catching Celtic next season. As the 49ers look to make their mark, the young forward is likely to be their biggest star.