The left-sided defender is in demand this summer
16:46, 06 Aug 2025
Nobel Mendy (middle)(Image: PA)
Rangers have expressed an interest in Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy.
Reports in Spain claim the Ibrox outfit are leading the race to sign the 20-year-old Frenchman.
But Record Sport has been told that while Gers boss Russell Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are keen on the former Paris FC kid, there is a long way to go before a deal is reached.
Mendy joined Betis and has registered a handful of appearances for the Seville-based outfit in both La Liga and the Europa Conference League.
The 6ft 2ins centre-back is naturally left sided and would offer Martin's side a better balance at the back after the new Gers gaffer was forced to start his campaign playing with four right-footed stoppers.
Mendy had been due to move to Holland this summer but saw a switch to PSV Eindhoven break down as the Dutch giants had already used up their quota for foreign talent.
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But Rangers could yet face competition if they do decide to push ahead with a move, with Rayo Vallecano and Club Brugge also keeping tabs on the defender.
The Light Blues have also been linked with a move for Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein.
The Estonia international spent the whole of last season on loan at Real Valladolid and is also said to be attracting interest from fellow La Liga side Sevilla.
Karl Hein of Arsenal
Hein has made just one first team appearance between the sticks in seven years at the Emirates but won praise from boss Mikel Arteta last year after signing a contract that will expire in 2026 with the North London giants.
After handing Hein minutes in pre-season, Spaniard Arteta said: "Karl has continued to impress us with his attitude and commitment to getting better every day.
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"We value being part of his continued development and I want to congratulate him on earning a new deal with the club.
"I'm very happy for him. Obviously, he had to be really patient and wait for his opportunity.
"He came back from his holidays really sharp and prepared; he knew that he had big games ahead of him and he started tonight, and I think he had a really good performance."